Balinese Gold Figure of Vishnu

As the vertical axis supporting the cosmos, Vishnu is most often represented standing in an upright taut posture. Vishnu is adorned with a towering crown known in iconographical texts as the 'Kiritamukuta.' This is literally and metaphorically the highest of all crowns. The shape is that of a rather conical cylinder, similar to a miter, ending in a knot or point. When worn by a deity, this signifies that he has a rank among the highest of all gods. The facial expression is benevolent and the eyes gentle -- befitting attributes for Vishnu, since he is believed to be the preserver of the cosmic order.