NARASIMHA
STATUE
This image of Lakshmi-Narasimha, popularly called Ugranarasimha, meaning Narasimha
of terrifying countenance, is hewn out of a rock in-situ. According to an inscription
found here, it was executed in 1528 A.D. during the rule of Krishnadevaraya. This
gigantic image, 6.7 meters in height, was mutilated and the figure of Lakshmi
sitting on his lap was entirely damaged and vandalized in 1565 A.D. Narasimha
with an articulately chiseled and well delineated mane and large bulging eyes
and broad chest still retains His awesome charm. He is seated on the coils of
the snake Adisesha, who rises behind him with seven hoods, which serve as a canopy.
The entire image is set within a Makara torana, or arch, with a lion-mask above
the hoods of Adisesha.
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