- Padmanabha Stone
- Cuncoliem, Ponda, Goa
- Circa 12th Century AD
- 92 cm x 39 cm
- 80-24
The sculpture of Padmanabha was a gift from the Shantadurga Devasthan, Cuncoliem, Ponda, Goa. This sculpture was worshipped as Narayandev in the temple of Narayandev at Cuncoliem.
The richly ornamented image of Lord Vishnu in Padmanabha form is depicted standing majestically with four arms, holding a Padma (lotus) and Chakra (discus) in the upper right and left hands respectively, while the lower hands bear the Shankha (conch) and Gada (mace). The deity is adorned with an elaborate array of ornaments, including a Kanthi, Haaras, Bhujabhushanas, Keyuras, Valayas, Mudrikas, Udarabandha, and an ornate Mekhala secured with a prominent Kirtimukha clasp. He further wears the customary Kiritamukuta, Makarakundalas, Yajnopavita, and the sacred Vaijayantimala. The lower garment consists of a short dhoti, complemented by two varieties of Nupuras (anklets) and toe rings.
The image is framed by exquisitely carved pillars on either side. These pillars rest upon dwarf male figures and are embellished with a vertical arrangement of sculptural motifs comprising elephants, lions, armed warriors carrying swords and shields, and Vyala. Miniature representations of the Dashavataras adorn the architectural frame; however, the last three incarnations are now lost or damaged.
At the base of the sculpture are attendant figures, including a kneeling Garuda in Anjalimudra, a Shankhapurusha holding a conch, and the divine consorts Shridevi and Bhudevi, both depicted holding lotuses. The image of Bhudevi is, however, in a mutilated condition.
Ref: Directorate of Museums, Catalogue of the Remarkable Sculptures in the Goa State Museum, Panaji, Goa.