Which avatar of Vishnu is depicted as a boar?
- A.Kurma
- B.Varaha
- C.Narasimha
- D.Vamana
Correct answer
Explanation
The correct answer is B, Varaha, the boar, third in the usual sequence of ten avatars, carved either fully as a boar or with a boar's head on a human body, often lifting the earth goddess on one tusk. Option A is wrong because Kurma is the tortoise, second in the sequence and linked with the churning of the ocean. Option C is wrong because Narasimha is the man-lion, fourth in the sequence, shown tearing the demon Hiranyakashipu at a threshold. Option D is wrong because Vamana is the dwarf, fifth in the sequence, who asks Bali for three paces of land. The full order to memorise is Matsya, Kurma, Varaha, Narasimha, Vamana, Parashurama, Rama, Krishna, the Buddha and Kalki, the last being the avatar yet to come.
Read the full article: Iconography of Indian Art: Mudras, Avatars, Symbols
Practice Questions
View allThe Bhumisparsha mudra of the Buddha represents which event of his life?
- A.The first sermon at Sarnath
- B.The enlightenment at Bodh Gaya
- C.The great renunciation
- D.The death at Kushinagar
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In the Bhumisparsha, or earth-touching, mudra the Buddha sits with the left hand in his lap and the right hand lowered with the fingers pointing to the ground, calling the earth to witness that he had earned the right to enlightenment against the temptations of Mara.
Read the full explanation →Which mudra of the Buddha is associated with the first sermon at Sarnath?
- A.Dhyana mudra
- B.Abhaya mudra
- C.Dharmachakra mudra
- D.Varada mudra
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The gesture joins the thumb and forefinger of each hand into a circle, the wheel, and holds them before the chest, marking the turning of the wheel of law in the deer park at Sarnath, where the Buddha preached to his first five disciples.
Read the full explanation →The conch of Vishnu is known by which name?
- A.Sudarshana
- B.Panchajanya
- C.Kaumodaki
- D.Sharanga
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Vishnu is recognised by four attributes, and each has its own name: the conch Panchajanya, the discus Sudarshana, the mace Kaumodaki and the lotus.
Read the full explanation →The Nataraja image shows Shiva performing which dance?
- A.Ananda tandava
- B.Lasya
- C.Garba
- D.Chhau
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The Nataraja shows Shiva within a ring of flames, hair flying, the damaru drum in one hand and fire in another, the right foot pressing down the dwarf of ignorance called Apasmara and one hand raised in the gesture of protection; the form is linked with Chidambaram and is the…
Read the full explanation →A Jain Tirthankara image with a serpent hood above the head represents whom?
- A.Rishabhanatha
- B.Mahavira
- C.Parshvanatha
- D.Neminatha
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The correct answer is C, Parshvanatha, the twenty-third Tirthankara, who is shown with the hood of a serpent, usually of seven heads, spread over his head and the coils rising behind him; his lanchana, the emblem on the pedestal, is a snake.
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