They, Narasimha and Lakshmi, have gone through a lot. Significant wear, bronze losses (see the hole between Narasimha’s and Lakshmi’s legs), lots of knocking about (bent ridges and edges) and prolonged periods of water immersion (pitting and hard accretion). Then it is Lakshmi Narasimha, graceful as ever.

In this journey, the way people looked at the Vigraha changed several times, a metal object, a deity, a discard and water immersion, salvaged metal, a curio and now a collector’s delight. But it is still ( will always be) viewed as Lakshminarasimha.

There are several Narasimhas in my collection, with and without his consort, standing, in Yoga and in Ugra form. And I have always wanted one with prabhavali. In general, it is difficult to get Vigrahas along with prabhavali as they get separated easily. But not this one. The prabhavali is secured to the deity at several points. I am of the view this Vigraha is a single-cast. The deity and Peetha are single-cast for sure, as the hollow portion at the bottom reaches almost up to Narasimha’s torso.

Garuda on the peetha and Kritimukha are the features worth noting.

This Lakshmi Narasimha is from North Deccan. This Vigraha, going by the wear and water-induced pitting, may date to the Vijayanagar period.

Here is the surprising part. All these details, charm and presence in only 5.5cm height. As they say, this one is for the keeps.