Vishnu: Hinduism's Blue-Skinned Savior

Krishna Fluting for the Gopis, page from an illustrated Dashavatara series. Northern India (Punjab Hills, Mankot), circa 1730. Courtesy of Brooklyn Museum. 

Vishnu is the Hindi god most often known as the creator of the cosmos and the preserver of Planet Earth. Considered one of the most multi-faceted of all Hindi gods, and one of three deities with the largest number of sectarian followers, he is widely recognized and admired. 

An art exhibit devoted solely to Vishnu and his worshippers, the first major museum exhibition of its kind, is currently on display at the Brooklyn Museum. It features over 170 paintings, sculptures and ritual objects made in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh between the fourth and twentieth centuries. Very detailed, well-organized and well-researched, it offers an informative and fascinating glimpse into the history and culture of this deity. 

Vishnu Flanked by His Personified Attributes. Northern or central
India, 12th century. Courtesy of Brooklyn Museum

In Hindi paintings Vishnu is easily identifiable because of his blue skin. According to the exhibit, "the blue distinguishes [him] from mere humans, and it reflects the God's association with the vast expanses of sea and sky as well as his usually cool, tranquil approach to saving the world." When he does not have blue skin, such as in granite or stone sculptures, you can identify him through his clothing and four different emblems- the wheel, the conch shell, the mace and the lotus. 

The lotus was the most influential emblem to me. As I said before, the exhibit is very detailed in its information on the deity, his followers and believers. A beautiful quote about Vishnu's lotus said that believers seek to emulate these flowers, because they "rise up from humble beginnings in murky ponds to achieve beauty in a higher realm." 

The exhibit is organized by four themes: Images of Vishnu, Legends of Vishnu, Avatars of Vishnu, and Worshipping Vishnu. Images of Vishnu focuses largely on sculptural art either within temples or on outside temple walls. Legends of Vishnu is much more painting-oriented in displaying images and artwork that tell stories about the god. Avatars of Vishnu offers a detailed look at each one of Vishnu's mortal forms (avatars) used when the god descends to earth  to solve a serious problem or fight a demon. Worshipping Vishnu, the most different of all the themes, displays images of Vishnu's devotees, where these devotees pray, and select objects used in prayer to Vishnu. 

Varaha Rescuing the Earth, page from an illustrated Dashavatara series. India, circa 1730–40. Courtesy of Brooklyn Museum. 

While all the art forms were beautiful and richly detailed, my favorite was the paintings with their bright colors. The bold hues popped off the wall and kept your eye focused on their intricate designs. To me they were so attractive and striking with their red, blue and yellow tones that I didn't want to look at anything else. In fact it was the painted images that attracted to me to the exhibit in the first place, and I'm so glad I went. 

The show is on display until October 2, and the Brooklyn Museum offers suggested admission, so it's essentially free. Unfortunately you cant take photos though, so if you want any memories of this wonderful collection you will have to look at them on the museum's website. I recommend doing so.