Vishnu on Garuda panel in Durga Temple, Aihole

This article analyzes the “Lord Vishnu on Garuda” panel at the Durga Temple of Aihole. As we move clockwise from the porch of the Durga Temple of Aihole, the “Lord Vishnu on Garuda Statue” is the third sculpture we notice in the niches of the inner wall of the ambulatory passage.

Similarity between Vrishabha-Vahana Shiva and Lord Vishnu in this panel

The statue of Lord Vishnu in this niche looks similar to the lord Shiva’s statue. The main difference between the two Gods in these statues is their posture. The smiling face expressing the inner spiritual joy looks the same. The expression on the face in both statues is sweet and captivating. This statue also has the same delicacy and the refinement of the form. It has the same relaxed attitude in respect of stance.

The sculptures of the Gods in two panels look so similar that the same sculptor or the same master seems to have carved them or supervised them. May be the decision to do it so was intentional, to convey to the masses that the two Gods are manifestation of one Supreme Being only.

Hands of Lord Vishnu in “Lord Vishnu on Garuda – Aihole” Panel

The luminous body of the Lord Vishnu appears weightless oozing out the spiritual bliss.

The upper right and left hands of this four-armed idol of Lord Vishnu are broken. However, we can easily make out that in His left hand He was holding the conch and in His right hand He was holding the Sudarshana Chakra. The Chakra and the conch remains intact. His lower right hand is in gracious Varada Mudra, while the lower left hand lies on the thighs.

Ornaments of Lord Vishnu in “Lord Vishnu on Garuda – Aihole” Panel

There is an ornamental Halo behind His head. He is wearing an intricately carved crown, beautiful earrings, a mani-yagnopavita, a mani-mekhala and other usual ornaments. The coils of serpents are His Armlets – a feature generally seen more in Shiva Idols than the Vishnu idols.

Legs of Lord Vishnu in “Lord Vishnu on Garuda – Aihole” Panel

Lord Vishnu is parting His legs apart to sit on Garuda. His right leg is slightly bent at the knee and His left leg is more bent. The left leg is broken from the knee down.

Garuda in “Lord Vishnu on Garuda – Aihole” Panel

In this panel Garuda has odd looking dwarf form. He appears like a curly haired baby and even like a cupid. Garuda is ready and spreading his feather that are fluttering in the wind. Garuda is sitting in a posture so as to enable the Lord to sit on him easily. Right knee of Garuda is touching the ground and is on same level as his left foot. The left hand of Garuda is on his left knee supporting the body, while the right hand is indicating to the Lord, “I am ready”. The knot of the garment Garuda is wearing is prominent and is touching the ground.

Devi Lakshmi in “Lord Vishnu on Garuda – Aihole” Panel

On the bottom left hand side is the statue of Devi Lakshmi standing in tribhanga pose. She is resting on her right foot and is smiling graciously. She is wearing floral mukuta, rich earrings, and other ornaments. On of her hand is on her heart, its possible that in original carving it might be holding a flower. The beauty of Her statue lies in the shapely proportion of Her body but what really captures viewers immediate attention is the captivating smile on Her face. Her face reflects the pride, peace and contentment.

References

The Art and the Architecture of Aihole by R. S Gupte

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