Eastern India, Palo period, 11th century
Black schist

Vishnu, the maintainer of the universe in Hindu mythology,
here holds a mace (representing power) and the wheel of time
(chakra) in the upper two of his four hands. The palm of his
lower-right hand displays a lotus blossom, symbol of purity, and
his lower-left hand holds a conch shell symbolizing victory over demons.
The small figures on the right and left represent eight of his avatars,
or incarnations. The Buddha and Kalkin, the traditional ninth and
tenth avatars, are not shown here and were perhaps not incorporated
into Hindu iconography in the middle Palo period. Vishnu stands on a
double-lotus pedestal that is supported by his winged vehicle, Garuda, the eagle.