Vishnu and Vishnu

Keshava Temple, Somnathpur

Two images¹ of Vishnu display similarities and differences in their attributes. The first image holds a coiled lotus stem (upper right hand), chakra (upper left hand), and vajra (lower right hand). The attribute in his lower left hand is a Citron fruit (Citrus medica, called matulanga in India)².

The second image also holds a lotus curl and chakra, but this time in his lower hands; his upper hands grasp a mace (left hand) and club (right hand).

Both images are flanked by small female attendants; chauri-bearers for the left image, and fruit-bearers for the right image. In other images of Vishnu, but not these, the attendants could represent Sarasvati and Lakshmi, or, if male, personified attributes such as club and chakra.

For an early version of the coiled lotus stem, see the relief at Udayagiri, where the stem coils above Varaha's head. Reinforcing the lotus motif, both figures above stand on a plinth with stylized lotus leaves.

¹Correspondent Mr. Sreeram Manoj Kumar of Bangalore has identified the image on the left as Keshava and on the right as Krishna, with reference to CHATURVIMSATI MURTHY the 24 forms of Vishnu.
²I thank correspondent Mr. Sujoy Pal for identifying this attribute.
³If the description of left hand-right hand seems confusing, see proper right and left for an explanation.