Mask of Vaikuntha Vishnu, late 5th century. Learn more about 5th century masks
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A major Vedic deity, he is believed to be the king of the realm of gods within Hinduism and Buddhism, and the king of the first Jain heaven, Saudharmakalpa, within Jainism. The most frequently mentioned deity in the Rigveda, he is usually depicted holding a thunderbolt and riding atop the elephant, Airavata, or sometimes also the dog, Sarama or the horse Uchchaishravas.