This sculpture visualising the primordial scene of creation depicts Vishnu, the preserver of the world, reclining on the multi-headed serpent Ananta, representing endlessness or eternity. Vishnu holds his weapons, the conch and wheel (cakra) and the creator god, Brahma issues from a lotus which springs from his navel. The reclining Vishnu is attended by numerous gods including his consort Lakshmi, seated at his feet.
Asian Art Department, AGNSW, April 2002