Panchayatana lintel, India, Tamil Nadu

Carved lintel depicting a narrative scene featuring Vishnu, Buddha, Ganesh...
India, Tamil Nadu, 20th century.
Normal wear marks detailed in last photo.
Provenance: Estate of Claude de Marteau
W 123 CM X D 4 CM X H 23 CM.
H with base 33 CM.
Base W 39 CM X D 9 CM X H 4 CM.
Symbolic narrative composition, typical of Tamil or Indian narrative art, in which various deities are represented together in an orchestrated scene.
1.Vishnu on the serpent throne (Ananta-Shesha): On the far left, Vishnu symbolizes the guardian of cosmic order, a central role in Hinduism. His presence may indicate a scene of creation or divine protection.
2 The lotus throne with a divine figure or Buddha: The lotus symbolizes purity and enlightenment. If it's not the Buddha, it could be another deity, such as Brahma (creator) or even a bodhisattva, with the surrounding heads representing divine aspects or celestial attendants.
3 Female figure with veena: This figure is probably Sarasvati, goddess of knowledge, art and music, often depicted with a veena (stringed instrument).
4 - Ganesh: God of beginnings and wisdom, often accompanied by a female figure. The figure under the dome could be Riddhi, Siddhi, or even a representation of Shakti (divine feminine energy). The dome itself often symbolizes an elevated or sacred position.
5 Servants and other figures: These secondary figures are probably apsaras (celestial dancers), or symbols of abundance and service, reinforcing the idea of a celestial kingdom or grand cosmic scene.
This type of panel seems to tell a story or present a vision of a divine world where several traditions (Hindu, Buddhist) intersect, probably a Panchayatana (5 main deities).
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Ref: MT25N2IFDE