Description: Balaji or Venkateshwara is the presiding deity at Tirumala and a form of Vishnu. The black stone idol is always depicted standing within an elaborate prabhavali (arch). Venkateshwara is beautifully bedecked with jewellery and floral garlands, wearing the white karpura namam (camphor Vaishnavite symbol) on his forehead. Two of his hands, which are behind are bare, but have the shankhu (conch) and chakram (discus) superimposed on them. The hands in the front are in varada (blessing) and katyavilambita (indicating protection to his devotees) mudra.
This magnificent 6 foot tall Balaji is an arresting composition for not just its size, but also the opulence of the brilliant white stones accentuated lightly by colored stones and the skilled gold foil work that is the hallmark of any authentic Tanjore painting. The artist has, however, elevated this composition with its three-dimensional quality, seen in the prabhavali, the flower garland draped on Balaji's shoulders, the platform he stands on, and especially the shadari and bell at his feet.
