Yoganarayana
Dynasty : Chandela, Khajuraho, MP
Period : Late Medieval 900 CE
Material : Stone
Location : National Museum
Current Location : National Museum
Description :
The Chandelas initially ruled as feudatories of the Gurjara-Pratiharas of Kanyakubja (Kannauj). The 10th century Chandela ruler Yashovarman became practically independent, although he continued to acknowledge the Pratihara suzerainty. By the time of his successor Dhanga, the Chandelas had become a sovereign power. The Chandelas are well known for their art and architecture, most notably for the temples at their original capital Khajuraho.
Two-armed Yoganarayana Vishnu seated cross-legged on a lotus pedestal in dhyanamudra. His cognizance conch rests at the pedestal. He wears an elaborate crown decorated with pearl string loops, earrings, a mango-leaf shaped necklace, yajnopavita, ornamented armlets and prominent beaded bracelets and vanamala. There is also a srivatsa mark on the chest. He has a round face with oval-shaped eyes and raised eyebrows. He is flanked by a headless female figure on the right, her right arm hanging by the side and left hand holding some indistinct object. There is a male Naga figure standing, holding a cup in the right hand and the left hand at the waist. There is another male figure standing in tribhanga pose, and a female devotee sitting facing the left. Near the Naga figure, there is also a horse-rider holding a spear. A bearded male devotee, damaged, is seated with folded hands facing right. In the centre below the pedestals, floral scrolls showing elephants, beaked birds, men and children. Prabhamandal with full-blown lotus at the back.