Statue of the divinity Vishnu, stone, 7th-9th centuries AD, Oc Eo culture.
Statue of the divinity Vishnu, stone, 7th-9th centuries AD, Oc Eo culture.
Statues of Vishnu (the Preserver), one of the three Hindu Gods, were discovered in large quantity in Oc Eo cultural sites. In this statue Vishnu is shown in a standing position, wearing a round hat, with a happy face, a strong body, and a richly decorated sampot. The statue has four arms, each of which holds a sacred object: a globe (symbolizing the operation of the universe), an escallop (representing the five elements), a wheel (power of creation and destruction), and a stick (symbolizing ego and original knowledge). Each sacred object illustrates Vishnu's power to protect and save people. The popularity of Vishnu statues indicates that the divinity was highly venerated among the Oc Eo people.