Four-Armed God Vishnu

One of the principal gods of Hinduism, Vishnu is regarded as the preserver of the universe. He stands regally in this sculpture from the Gupta period, wearing a simple crown and a long garland. Originally four-armed, he would have held weapons—a mace, conch, and discus—in three hands. This early image includes a round object, variously interpreted as the earth or a fruit, in his lowered fourth hand. In later images of Vishnu, this hand typically holds a lotus.