Vishnu and Gajendra

ca. 1830

Painting, in opaque watercolour and gold on paper, Gajendra moksha, Vishnu saves the elephant king, Gajendra, from the crocodile, while the elephant herd sport nearby. Garuda stands in worship with a serpent between his hands, symbolising the victory of the solar principle over the water creature (which takes place in the ensuing conflict).