This painting depicts the Sheshashayi form of Vishnu who is seen reclining on Adi Shesha, the coiled serpent. Painted in Tanjore style, the painting is without the gems and gilding and is rather rare. It also depicts multiple four-armed images of Vishnu: standing, holding the shankha (conch) and the chakra (discus). The image of Para Vasudeva, considered the absolute and the greatest form of Vishnu according to Vaishnava theology is also shown here. The artist has depicted his icon as emerging from the dome of the sanctum at Shrirangam, Tamil Nadu. The painting was used for ritual worship and collected by devotees on their visits to temples for worship.
