Padma (Vishnu)

The padma is hence prominent in the Vaishnava narrative of cosmogony, where Brahma is instructed by Vishnu to start generating the universe and the rest of creation.

The lotus is regarded to be a representation of dharma, the cosmic law, as well the epitome of purity, as it rose beneath the impure seabed towards the sun.

Sculptures of Vishnu bearing a lotus are dated back to the fifth or the sixth century, presenting him with the epithets Padmanabha (the one with the lotus-navel), Pundarikaksha (lotus-eyed), and Padmapani (lotus-handed).

The Vishnudharmottara specifically states that the lotus emerging from Vishnu's navel symbolises the earth, while the stalk represents the cosmic mountain, Meru, the axis of the universe.

[12] Vaishnava hymns often reference the padma as an attribute of Vishnu or Narayana, offering allusions to his lotus-feet,[13] lotus-eyes, lotus-navel,[14] and lotus-throat.

Painting of Vishnu depicted with lotuses, National Museum, New Delhi
Vishnu seated upon a lotus and granting an audience to Parikshit