Lakshmi Narayana

About this Brooklyn Icon

The Brooklyn Museum is commemorating its 200th anniversary by spotlighting 200 standout objects in its encyclopedic collection.

This complex image offers an unusually casual and affectionate depiction of a divine couple, the Hindu god Vishnu and his consort Lakshmi. Much about this icon is typical of northern Indian temple sculpture: Intricately carved in soft red sandstone, it shows Vishnu and Lakshmi backed by a halo, set into an architectural niche, and surrounded by much smaller figures. This large cast of supporting characters includes other Hindu gods, servants of Vishnu, and all of Vishnu’s avatars, manifestations the god assumed when he came to earth to protect his followers.

The central couple, however, departs from convention. Most Hindu icons look straight out at the worshipper, ready to receive their prayers. In contrast, here Vishnu and Lakshmi look at each other. Lakshmi’s size is also unusual. In most depictions of Hinduism’s divine couples, the goddess is much smaller than the god or in a subservient posture. This image treats Lakshmi as Vishnu’s companion and equal, and as such celebrates a happy balance between masculine and feminine qualities.