f.15

A depiction of Vamana, the fifth avatar of Vishnu, who takes the form of a dwarf. According to Hindu belief Vamana rescued the world from King Bali, the great-great grandson of the demon Hiranyakashipu. 

Vamana stands before the demon King Bali who pours water over the dwarf’s hands. Vamana has been sent disguised as a brahmin to vanquish Bali. Shukra, Bali’s guru and advisor depicted on the left, recognizes Vamana's true identity (i.e. an incarnation of Vishnu) and warns the king to beware, but Bali ignores his advice. On the ground are the implements needed for a religious sacrifice including the sheaf of kusha grass, a ewer, flowers, akshata (rice) and a flat tray used for arati (worship with fire).

This painting is from a series (RCINs 1005113.d-k, .q and .v) depicting the ten avatars (incarnations) of the Hindu god Vishnu.

For further information on this album see RCIN 1005113.