Print

About this object

History of use

Indian popular religious prints have been published for nearly a century, first by German presses, later by Indian ones. The prints may take the form of calendars, posters, or simply images. The style of the representations is European. In the beginning they were Hindu images, but are now acquiring elements both of folk art and a romantic secularism. It is a living art currently influenced by the movie industry and non-Hindu religions. The images are a vehicle for advertising and are also used for religious purposes.

Cultural context

popular religious art

Iconographic meaning

The god Vishnu is most easily identified by the symbols which he carries in his hands: the white conch shell which symbolizes the origin of existence and which Vishnu announces his victories over the demons; the rotating disc, a weapon used to oppose enemies of the divine order; golden mace as a symbol of royal power; lotus flower as a symbol of purity. Vishnu is often associated with the sea. The goddess Lakshmi is the goddess of beauty, good luck, and wealth. Lakshmi is usually depicted sitting or standing on a lotus flower.

Physical description

Rectangular shaped print. Depicted are the god Vishnu and goddess Lakshmi standing on a large, open lotus. On left, blue-skinned man dressed from waist to foot in gold and green robe. Vishnu has four arms. Front right arm has upturned palm. Back right hand has raised index finger surrounded by a golden disc. Left back hand is holding a conch shell, right back hand is on Lakshmi’s shoulder. Vishnu is wearing three gold necklaces as well as a necklace of flowers. On forehead is centre dot and red line. Head is adorned with a gold crown. On right is figure of a woman dressed in traditional sari of pink, green, and gold. Her left hand is holding a lotus flower. Right hand is upturned and imprinted with lotus blossom. In the background is a blue sea with waves, light blue sky and a yellow glow surrounding the figures. Written at the bottom centre is Lakshminarayan; signature on left is C. Kondiah Raju.