Lord Vishnu

 Lord Vishnu

Chola Dynasty,10th Century AD,National Museum, New Delhi

          This is a fine example of Chola sculpture in stone. Although the Chola Dynasty is more known for their bronzes, but being great builders of huge temples, the Chola sculptors excelled in their art. Granite is a hard stone to carve. While the Pallava artists had difficulty in carving in granite, the Chola sculptors had mastered the stone. From Pallava to Chola to Vijayanagar we move from simple carving to more ornate to the most ornate sculptures in South India.

          Lord Vishnu is the preserver of the universe. He teaches us to preserve the civilisation through assimilation,  through compassion and and love. Instead of antagonism,  he teaches us harmony in relationship, in doing our duty, in accepting even those who are different from us. Did Lord Ram not accept Sugrive and Hanuman?  Did Krishna not accept Sudama? If we wish to thrive and prosper, we have no option but to accept assimilation as our philosophy.  Those who believed in annihilation, like the Greeks and Romans, they are in ruins. Choice is ours!