Lord Balaji with Goddess Padmavathi #1 – Tanjore painting (16″ x 20″)

Lord Balaji with Goddess Padmavathi  – Tanjore painting or Sri Venkateswara is the lord of seven hills at Tirupathi in South India. Sri Venkateswara is believed to be one of the many forms of incarnations of Sri Vishnu, who is in charge of preserving the universe. He is depicted holding chakra (the disc) in his upper right hand, the disc to cut down the evil, and the Sanka (the white conch shell) in his upper left hand, signifying goodness and purity. The right hand is in varadha hastha (boon bestowing hand) posture, beckoning to completely surrender to Him. The left hand is in the katyavilambitha posture (mudra). This gesture signifies that the ocean of samsara or life is only knee deep and can easily be crossed over with faith in God. Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth, lives in His heart and helps him carry on his functions of preserving the universe.