This delightful Vigraha is the Hindu deity Krishna, the eighth incarnation of Vishnu. In this form, playing the flute, Krishna is Venugopala or Ganagopala. Krishna is one of the most popular avatars of Vishnu and he is worshipped throughout India.

The figure stands in Padasvastika pose (weight is supported on one leg),  with the right hip pushed outwards. Here the right leg is crossed over the left and the weight on his left leg. This is the pose of Krishna when playing the flute. This pose is also known as Ardha soma. Some figures show with his left leg crossed over or with his right leg crossing over in the front.

 The lower garment and side draperies are held by a girdle and flare out. He is wearing earrings,  bracelets, anklets, armlets, necklaces,  sacred thread, a waist belt and a crown. The general position of the body is called Tribanga (Triple bend), thus bending the ankles, the waist and the neck/shoulder.

When Venugopala bronze is intended for worship in temples he will have four hands with the rear hands holding the wheel and conch and usually have his consorts Rukmini and Satyabhama on either side.

Features to note include the way ornaments are cast in place and the delicate modeling of his fingers. Enjoy.

The bronze is about 18 cm in height and is solid cast. This bronze may date to the 16th century or earlier. It is possibly late Chola. This is from Tamil Nadu, South India.

Note: Krishna as Venugopala is a favorite topic and we probably have representative figures from all regions of India. This blogsite has a fair representation.