Seeking

Seeking, Acrylic on canvas, 30″x40″.

A painting in the Madhubani/Mithila tradition of art, inspired by a Hindustani song “ban ban dhoondan jaaon” The beautiful song (bandish) set in Vrindavani raag (tune) speaks of a seeker looking for Krishna, in the deep woods. The seeker looks for love, or truth, depending on how you interpret it. Peacock feather adorning the crown, golden hoops in his ears, hand holding a flute, do you know where He hides, the seeker asks.

Ganapathi

Ganapathi, 36″x36″, Mixed media on canvas.

Ganapathi is the god of new beginnings in the Hindu pantheon. He is believed to be the remover of obstacles and blesses his devotees with success and prosperity. Usually found at the entrance of the home, you’ll also find small idols of Ganapathi or Ganesha in nooks and corners in outdoor spaces.

This piece of work has gold and copper pigment giving a textured effect and is embellished with stones.

Ta Prohm

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Ta Prohm Acrylic on canvas, 24″ x 24″, Prints available

There are few places where human handiwork blends beautifully with nature. The mystical Ta Prohm temple in Cambodia is one such. Set in the midst of lush green woods, the ruins at this Buddhist temple are entwined with roots of large trees. And if you look carefully, you can find an apsara or a deity playing peek-a-boo, like this one. The scenic setting transports you to to a time when the glory of the Khmer reign must have been at its peak.

Cosmic dance

cosmic dance

Cosmic Dance Acrylic on canvas, 36″x36″, Original and Prints available.

Nataraja is the form of Lord Shiva, performing the cosmic dance – Tandava. It is believed to be the dance of creation as well as destruction, and provides a rhythm to the universe.

Shiva is a complex character. His temples are mystic, and located in unusual locations – caves, hilltops or by the sea. He has a dark side – and practitioners of that side of faith are usually found in the slopes of the Himalayas – with dreadlocks and ash smeared on their bodies. The Hindu faith advocates multiple paths to enlightenment. Knowledge, action and faith are three of them. And faith in itself has a multitude of paths – some of which can be fairly inexplicable to the casual onlooker.

Abhimanyu

 

abhimanyu

Abhimanyu Acrylic on canvas, 20″x20″, Original and Prints available

The legend of Abhimanyu is a tragic one. He is the son of Arjuna, the Pandava warrior in the epic Mahabharatha, and learns the tricks of warfare at a very young age. Owing to his knowledge, he is called upon to the battlefield – quite prematurely, and is trapped fatally in the chakravyuha formation laid out by the enemy.