#sheshashayee

Śeśaśāyī Śri Viṣṇu

Also known as Anaṅtaśayana, this exquisite sandstone sculpture depicts Lord Viṣṇu reposed on the great snake Ādi Śeśa or Anaṅta in the waves of the cosmic ocean. He is accompanied by Devi Lakṣmī, His consort. Details show the intricately carved accoutrements – the mace (gadā) and the conch (śañkha) that He weilds.

Sandstone, probably Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, circa 11th Century CE

Śri Śeśaśāyī Padmanābha

Lord Viṣṇu reposed on the serpent Śeśa or Ananta, being adored by other Gods and demigods, with the creator Brahma emerging from the lotus arising from the Lord’s navel (nābhi)

Painting b y L N Sharma for the Picture Publicity Company, Bombay

Śeśa-śayana Padmanābha Śri Viṣṇu

Lord Viṣṇu reclining on the Serpent Śeśa, with the lotus blooming out of the Lord’s navel

Panel outside the Daśāvtāra Temple, Deogarh, Uttar Pradesh

Śeśaśayana Bhagawān Śri Viṣṇu

Lord Viṣṇu reposed on the serpent Śeśa-nāga

Vishnu in Shesha-shayana (reclining on the serpent Shesha) pose