Torso of a Male Deity

Torso of a Male Deity
Bihar, India, c. 10th – 11th century
Sandstone
From the permanent collection of the Utah Museum of Fine Arts, University of Utah, 1974.037

Though most of the sculpture has been lost, this torso is yet identifiable as the god Vishnu based on its symbolic accoutrements. Regarded as one of the most attractive gods, Vishnu is typically depicted in the lavish apparel of a prince. He wears a dhoti—a thin skirt-like garment that drapes the hips and thighs. A decorative belt and ornaments surround the dhoti, and traces of a flower garland are visible at the knees, a common element in depictions of Vishnu. Regal necklaces decorate his chest, in the midst of which the diamond-shaped embellishment—called the Kaustabha jewel—is visible. This precious gem emerged from the churning cosmic ocean of creation and is described in the Bhagavad Purana as “brilliant as a thousand suns.” The sacred cord that extends from the left breast to the decorative belt at the hips, known as yajnopavita, indicates high caste status and is worn by most of the gods and goddesses.

In Hinduism, the divine is celebrated through its physicality. Vishnu’s assumption of a tangible form is seen as a manifestation of the god’s merciful benevolence—an act of compassion that allows mortals greater access to and understanding of the divine. The size of this torso and its precise carving imply that it was likely a principal image in a place of worship.

All photographs and videos have been provided by Entrepid Productions with support from Andrew Hair, Daniel King, and Garth Pratt.