The syllable OM or AUM is the most sacred of Hindu mantras. Associated with the primordial vibration of creation, it is intoned at the beginning of any ritual. Here the sacred syllable is shown containing the gods within it, including the recumbent Vishnu, Devi, two forms of Shiva and Brahma.
Vishnu
Vishnu is, with Shiva, one of the two most important gods in later Hinduism. He is regarded as sustainer of the universe and maintainer of order. Assuming various forms (avatars), he restores the balance of good and evil in the world.
Objects are sometimes moved to a different location. Our object location data is usually updated on a monthly basis. Contact the Jameel Study Centre if you are planning to visit the museum to see a particular object on display, or would like to arrange an appointment to see an object in our reserve collections.
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