This is a portrait of the Hindu deities Visnu and Sri Laksmi.

Visnu is the preserver and protector of good and the guardian of dharma: the law of righteousness and the moral order. He watches over the earth and, whenever dharma is in danger, incarnates himself on earth to rid it of evil. He is a god very close to the spirits and hearts of many Hindu families.

In Hindu texts, the known world grows from Visnu in the form of a lotus, expanding from his navel with vigorous fertile power. Derived from Visnu, this power is reveiled in Sri Laksmi, to whom the symbol of the lotus is most consistently associated.

As the goddess of prosperity, Sri Laksmi is glorious. She is radiant as gold (and of gold countenance), illustrious like the moon and wears gold and silver. She is said to shine like the sun and to be lustrous like fire.

Sri Laksmi is the goddess associated with qualities such as general well-being, physical health, material property, bodily beauty, majesty and leadership. Laksmi is a goddess highly revered in the homes of many Hindu families.

Sri Laksmi and Visnu's union is an example of pure divine love. It is said that Laksmi reincarnates herself every time that Visnu does, to continue to walk by his side. A symbol of connection, complementary natures and loyalty for Hindu believers, they are a "living" symbol of the marriage of home and heart.

Hindu symbolism and imagery: Held by Laksmi, the lotus flower is the symbol of life. The hooked staff symbolizes spiritual leadership. In Visnu's hands, the sword symbolizes the wisdom and battle against ignorance that is his. The torch symbolizes regeneration and new life. The snake they both grasp symbolizes the time and immortality that they share.