“Lakshmi-Narasimha, the icon in which the man-lion form of Vishnu appears with his potency goddess Lakshmi seated in his lap, is an auspicious and benevolent aspect of the ferocious Lord. The temples of South India have some of the most divine and awe-inspiring sculptures of Lakshmi-Narasimha, whose rich iconography has inspired this bronze statue, sculpted in the idiom of Hoysala art.
The duo exuding heavenliness and grandeur are enthroned on a two-tiered pedestal, with Narasimha appearing as the primary deity, suggested by his comparatively larger form. Sri Narasimha is adorned like a king, with a Kiritamukuta crown, Tilak on the forehead, necklaces, chest band, waistband, and a Yajnopavita or sacred thread. His ferocious aura has been transformed meticulously to give the statue a blissful countenance, where despite his large and sharp teeth, enlarged nose, and lion’s mane falling on his broad chest, Narasimha appears to be smiling gently. His four arms carry the Shankha (conch), Chakra (discus), and the gesture of giving boons and removing fears. Wearing a dhoti whose delicate fall and folds are beautifully delineated in this metal icon, Narasimha sits in the regal Lalitasana (the beautiful pose).
Accompanying the aura of her Lord, Sri Devi or Lakshmi is ornamented exquisitely, with jewelry that amplifies her divine allure. Holding a yet-to-bloom lotus in her hand (which represents the origin of the Universe) and carrying her left hand in Lolhastha mudra, Lakshmi embodies the feminine auspiciousness and powers of creation, which complement Narasimha, the mighty annihilator, sowing the seeds of Srishti after the destruction caused by his divine rage, thus keeping the cycle of creation going.
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