Visvarupa

Through the study of selected North Indian sculptures and bronzes dating from the second to the ninth centuries, this book traces attempts to achieve a plastic interpretation of 'Visvarupa' (God as the universe) - Arjuna's version of Krsna manifested as God's boundless form. This name Visvarupa is known also in Vedic mythology and in iconographical texts. The Visvarupa cult, which existed in ancient India, is no longer active. Referring to Sanskrit texts, the stylistic and iconographical history of this cosmic deity is pursued from its origins to its decline. Relevant Saiva, Brahma and Buddhist images are also examined. The author utilises diagrams and reconstructions to uncover the basic forms underlying these images. Scholars and students of South Asian studies, religious studies, Sanskrit.