Thus deserted, Gajendera appealed to Him who is the last refuge of all - Lord Vishnu. The deity heard the fervent appeals of His devotee and mounting the half-man, half-avian vehicle Garuda, rushed to his defence. With one throw of His chakra (discus), Vishnu annihilated the villain. Here we see Lord Vishnu seated regally and majestically on the shoulders of a moustached Garuda. The extended left thigh on which is seated His consort Lakshmi is supported by Garuda's hand. Garuda's right leg harmonizes the compositional symmetry, balancing out the crocodile's long curving tail while his left leg does the same for the alligator's sinister snout gripping the helpless elephant in its merciless fangs. The desperate pachyderm seems to issue out from the mouth of the unrelenting reptile, such is the fluidity of forms depicted in this dynamic atmosphere. Indeed, the sculptor seems particularly adept at carving out figures in motion and the artwork is dominated by the vigorous action which finally culminated in the emancipation of Gajendera both in the physical and spiritual sense (not only was he saved from a gory death but Vishnu also carried him away to his divine abode Vaikuntha). At the apex of the sculpture can be seen the 'Kirtimukha,' which is a universally revered auspicious symbol. Next can be seen two celestial creatures with wings venerating the divine couple. At the bottom panel are two simha-vyalas (composite lions), who traditionally protect the sacred structures of South India. This sculpture was carved from Vengai wood which has traditionally been the medium for carving temple artworks. It was created in Thammapatty (district Salem) in Tamil Nadu."Cry to the Lord with an intensely yearning heart and you will certainly see Him." (Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa)Of Related Interest Vishnu - A Symbolic Appreciation Vishnu, In All His Glory Vishnu as Padmanabha Vishnu, In His Own Words Shesh-Shayi Vishnu Devotees of Vishnu Tales of Vishnu The Book of Vishnu 108 Names of Vishnu Vishnu with Bhu and Sri Garudasana Vishnu
