Vishnu and Narayan Idols

Vishnu Idol and Narayan Murtis in Brass

Lord Vishnu is prayed to in many forms: standing with chakra and shankh, resting on Sheshnag, with Laxmi Maa, or as Tirupati Balaji. This page brings all those forms of Narayan together, so you can pick the one your family prays to.

Forms you will find on this page

• Standing Vishnu: four hands with chakra, shankh, gada and a blessing hand, many under the hoods of Sheshnag.
• Vishnu on Sheshnag: Narayan seated or resting on the coils of the serpent, like the 4.5 inch Vishnu sitting on Sheshnag.
• Laxmi Narayan: Vishnu with Laxmi Maa, as a standing pair or seated together, like the Lakshmi Narayan murti on Sheshnag.
• Tirupati Balaji: almost half of this page. Balaji idols and wall hangings, some with Sridevi and Bhudevi.
• Other forms: Lord Dhanvantri with the pot of amrit, Vishwaroopam and Dashavatar pieces.

From pocket size to temple size

The smallest pieces here are about 2.7 inch, good for a car or a travel pooja box. Most home mandirs use 6 to 12 inch. The biggest go up to 69 inch for temples and large halls. Each product page lists the exact height and weight, and the heaviest pieces need two or more people to move.

Picking the right one

If you pray to Narayan on Ekadashi, a standing Vishnu or Vishnu on Sheshnag is the usual choice. For Diwali and Friday pooja, many families prefer Laxmi Narayan together; see the Laxmi Narayan section. If you follow Lord Venkateswara, go to the Tirupati Balaji section for the full range. Plain golden brass suits most homes, while black lacquer coating pieces are close to the look of many South Indian temples. Every brass narayan idol here is cast and then finished by hand with chisel work.

Keeping them clean

Dust with a soft dry cloth every week. For a dull piece, use lemon or tamarind, rinse and dry fully. Black pieces only need dusting. See our guide on how to clean brass idols at home.

Questions buyers ask

Is Narayan the same as Vishnu?

Yes. Narayan is another name of Lord Vishnu. Balaji and Dhanvantri are also believed to be his forms.

Which Vishnu idol is best for the home mandir?

A standing Vishnu with four hands or a Laxmi Narayan pair is kept in most homes. Choose the form your family prays to.

Which way should a Vishnu idol face?

Many families keep the mandir so the deity faces east or west. If that is not possible, a clean, calm place is what matters most.

Can I keep Vishnu and Balaji together?

Yes. Many homes keep Balaji with Vishnu or Laxmi Narayan in the same mandir.

Look at the forms side by side, and bring home the Narayan who feels closest to your family.