Description: Balaji or Venkateshwara is the presiding deity at Tirumala and a form of Vishnu. The black stone idol is always depicted standing within an elaborate prabhavali (arch). Venkateshwara is beautifully bedecked with jewellery and floral garlands, wearing the white karpura namam (camphor Vaishnavite symbol) on his forehead. Two of his hands, which are behind are bare, but have the shankhu (conch) and chakram (discus) superimposed on them. The hands in the front are in varada (blessing) and katyavilambita (indicating protection to his devotees) mudra.
Balaji is a favourite Tanjore subject, given the rich adornments and impressive prabhavali lend so well to the innate grandeur of this painting style .
