Vishnu and Vishnu

Keshava Temple, Somnathpur

Two images of Vishnu display similarities and differences in their attributes. The left image holds a coiled lotus stem (upper right hand), chakra (upper left hand), and vajra (lower right hand). On his lower left hand, he wears an elaborate hand ornament which is perhaps a kind of gauntlet (I am not sure; if you know, kindly me.) The right image also holds a lotus curl and chakra, but this time in his lower hands; his upper hands grasp a mace (left) and club (right).

Both images are flanked by small female attendants; chauri-bearers for the left image, and fruit-bearers for the right image. In other images of Vishnu, but not these, the attendants could represent Sarasvati and Lakshmi, or, if male, personified attributes such as club and chakra.

For an early version of the coiled lotus stem, see the relief at Udayagiri, where the stem coils above Varaha's head. Reinforcing the lotus motif, both figures above stand on a plinth with stylized lotus leaves.

Correspondent Mr. Sreeram Manoj Kumar of Bangalore has identified the image on the left as Keshava and on the right as Krishna, with reference to CHATURVIMSATI MURTHY the 24 forms of Vishnu.