Vishnu India, Chandella dynasty, 11th century Vishnu is worshipped as the protector of the universe and is depicted as a regal figure, holding his distinguishing attributes – the conch symbolising sound as the origin of Creation, the wheel symbolising the cosmic law, and the mace symbolising the power of the cosmic law. Vishnu is regarded as a compassionate deity who descends to earth in a physical form – as an avatar – to assist in times of spiritual or political crisis. Vishnu is surrounded by smaller images of his ten avatars or earthly manifesta-tions including Krishna, depicted holding up Mount Goverdhana. Sculptures such as this covered the entire structure of a Hindu temple.