Vishnu as Vishvarupa (cosmic or universal man)
Can I see it?
Not on view at present
Where is “Vishnu as Vishvarupa (cosmic or universal man)” now? Collection: Victoria and Albert Museum, London. Not on view at present. Checked September 25, 2026.
London, United Kingdom
It belongs to the collection, but is not on display at present.
- Checked
- In this state since
- Source
- The museum
About the painting
This striking painting shows the blue-skinned Hindu god Vishnu in his form as the Universal Man or Vishvarupa, which means 'all forms'. The small figures painted on his body refer to his role as encompassing all of creation. He has four arms, each holding one of Vishnu's attributes; a conch shell, a lotus flower, a mace and the circular weapon called Sudarshana chakra (meaning 'beautiful discus').
The painting was probably done in Jaipur, Rajasthan, in about 1800-1805.
Victoria and Albert Museum
Details
- Accession number
- IS.33-2006
What it shows
In the catalog
Sources
- Victoria and Albert Museum
- Image: Victoria and Albert Museum — © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
