Near the Krishna River, in Raichur District, Karnataka, an ancient statue of Lord Vishnu Idol, featuring all ten manifestations, or “dashavatara”, was found.

It is notable because it shares features with the recently consecrated idol of Ram Lalla in the newly constructed Ram Temple in Ayodhya. PTI reported that an ancient Shivalinga was also found along with the statue.

In a statement to PTI about the Vishnu Idol, Dr Padmaja Desai said, “This idol would have adorned the sanctum sacrum of a temple, and it must have been dropped into the river when the temple was at risk of being destroyed.”

This Vishnu idol found in the Krishna River basin has unique features. Dr Desai said, “The aura surrounding Vishnu displays ‘dashavatara,’ such as Matsya and Koorma. It also shows Rama, Parashurama Krishna, Buddha, Kalki, and Narasimha.

She then explained its features, revealing that Vishnu has four arms. His two upper hands hold the ‘ shankha and chakra’. The lower hands are in the position to grant boons (“kati hasta” and “varada hasta”)

According to PTI, the professor said the idol resembled Venkateshwara, as described in the Vedas. This idol does not have the Garuda, a feature that Vishnu icons usually display.

Instead, two women are seen holding fans. Vishnu loves to be decorated, so this idol depicting a smiling Vishnu has been decorated with ornaments and garlands.

The Vishnu Idol in Karnataka: Features

Lord Vishnu Idol: A detailed description of the features reveals the four-armed Vishnu in the standing position. The two upper arms hold the “shankha” and “chakra”.

At the same time, the lower two hands are in the position of granting blessings (kati hasta” and varada hasta”.

Venkateshwara, as described in the scriptures, is said to be a similar idol. Garuda is usually found on Vishnu icons, but not in this one. Two women are holding fans instead.

Trendsmyth reported that since Vishnu’s well-known adornment, the idol depicting a smiling Vishnu has been decorated with garlands, ornaments and other decorations.

This idol would have decorated the sanctum sacrum of a temple. The statue is intact, except for some minor damage to the nose.

The explanation says that it is possible the idol was submerged to protect it during (a) possible attack on the temple. Archaeologists think the idol is from the 11th or the 12th century AD.