This exquisite sandalwood idol, meticulously hand-carved by master artisan Mr. Bhupathy of Karnataka, portrays Lord Vishnu in the divine Anantha Shayana posture—reclining gracefully upon the cosmic serpent Sheeshnag, who floats atop the primordial ocean. At His feet sits Goddess Lakshmi, symbolising devotion and abundance. From His navel emerges a lotus bearing Lord Brahma, the creator.
The Anantha Shayana form is a profound representation of cosmic balance and timelessness. Vishnu’s repose signifies the eternal rhythm of the universe—creation, preservation, and dissolution—held together in a state of serene omnipotence. The imagery reflects both tranquility and the underlying dynamism of the cosmos. Carved from rare and precious sandalwood, the sculpture is a testament to the artisan’s exceptional skill. Every detail—from the serpent’s coils to the serene expressions of the deities—has been rendered with remarkable finesse and spiritual depth. In recognition of its artistic and cultural significance, this masterpiece has been honoured with a prestigious State Award.
Artist
M. Bhupathy
Karnataka
M. Bhupathy is a master wood carver and a committed craft revivalist, deeply rooted in Karnataka’s rich artisanal traditions. He began his journey in wood carving under the mentorship of two legendary figures—Late Sri Madhavachari, a renowned temple chariot maker from Tirupati, and Late Shri Narayanappa, a master artisan of Channapatna craft. Their guidance laid the foundation for Bhupathy’s deep understanding of both intricate sandalwood carving and traditional lacquerware techniques. Recognising the challenges faced by artisans, Bhupathy founded Shilpa Trust in 1992 in Bangalore. The Trust supports over 360 artisans by offering skill development, design innovation, access to tools, and direct market linkages. As a registered member of the World Fair Trade Organization, the Trust ensures artisans receive fair wages and social support including insurance, healthcare, and education aid. A significant part of his work is dedicated to Channapatna craft, a 200-year-old tradition of lac-turnery using “aale mara” (ivory wood). Bhupathy has worked tirelessly to preserve and modernise this craft, promoting the use of non-toxic, eco-friendly materials and training artisans in contemporary design approaches. In recognition of his artistic excellence, Bhupathy received the Kushala Kala State Award (2023) for his remarkable sandalwood sculpture “Anantha Shayana”, depicting Lord Vishnu in a cosmic slumber. The award celebrates his craftsmanship and his lifelong dedication to Karnataka’s heritage crafts. Bhupathy’s contributions have made a lasting impact, empowering artisan communities and bringing Karnataka’s traditional artistry to global attention.
The Craft
Sandalwood Carving
Karnataka earned the title of gandhadagudi, or the Land of Sandalwood, because of its century-old sandalwood craftsmanship. Hundreds of skilled craftsmen are spread across Bengaluru, Mysore, Shimoga, Sorab, Honavar, and Kumta.
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