in Camera

A sculpture inside one of the caves at Mamallapuram. Vishnu reclining on the serpent `adhiseshan.' The figure standing at his feet is one of the rakshas `Madhu' or `Kaitaban.' The other five figures are personifications of Vishnu's five weapons. The scene seems peaceful - more like a calm before the storm - the weapons are asking for permission to attack the rakshas. Of the two figures hovering over Vishnu, the one on the left is the conch, `Panchajanya'; and the other is the mace `Kaumodaki.' At the lower end of the frame (from left) are the discus, `Sudarshana;' the sword `Katkam;' and the bow, `Saranga.'