Painting is a very old form of storytelling and before we humans started developing our regional languages. Does it ever happen when you look at a painting for a long time, you start thinking what’s the meaning behind this painting, and what is so special about this painting? In this following discussion I would like to bring out one of the very special forms of Indian painting style called Pichhwai painting.
Pichhwai paintings are a traditional art form originating from the town of Nathdwara in Rajasthan, India. These intricate and detailed works of art, usually done on cloth, are deeply tied to the worship of Lord Krishna, particularly in his form as Shrinathji, a representation of his child form. Pichhwai paintings are one of the devotional mediums in the Pushtimarg sect of Vaishnavism, founded by Vallabhacharya in the 16th century.
The word “Pichhwai” comes from the Sanskrit words “Pichh,” meaning behind, and “Wai,” meaning hanging, signifying that these paintings are traditionally hung behind the idol of Shrinathji in temples. They are used to narrate tales from the life of Krishna and depict various seasons, festivals, and rituals associated with his worship.
Pichhwai art styles hold very much importance in Vaishnavism, as they are exclusively used for adoring the temples of Shrinathji in Nathdwara, which is one of the most significant Krishna temples in India. The art is often linked with special occasions, such as Janmashtami (the birth of Krishna), Sharad Purnima, Diwali, and Annakut (Govardhan Puja), each painting evoking the mood of that particular festival.
The themes in Pichwai often center around Krishna’s childhood activities—his playful pranks, the lifting of the Govardhan Hill, or his being worshiped by gopis (milkmaids) and cows. They are intended not only to celebrate these stories but to draw the worshippers into the divine lila (play) of Krishna.
The art is deeply symbolic. Shrinathji is depicted with distinct iconography: Krishna holding the Govardhan Hill in one hand, his other hand resting on his waist, adorned with jewelry, a crown, and a garland of flowers. The cows and lotuses often present in these paintings are symbolic of purity and devotion. The cows represent the divine connection between Krishna and the people, as he is often shown as a young cowherd.
The season of monsoon is also celebrated through lush greenery and the presence of peacocks, which are sacred in Hindu mythology. The lotus flowers, a recurring motif, symbolize beauty and purity, and they are often portrayed surrounding Krishna or in ponds to signify divine beauty and serenity.
Here are some of the paintings:
This Darshana painting painted by Jagriti Bhardwaj a dedicated traditional artist, has portrayed a vibrant composition on traditional pichwai art. Where the central figure is Shrinathji painted in a bluish tone depicting dark-skinned, 7-year-old Lord Krishna, holding up Mount Goverdhan in his left hand. He is adorned with opulent royal attire, with a richly embroidered Crown with a Peacock feather, heavy jewelry, and flowy attire. His face is serene, embodying divinity and calmness.
Around him, the gopis(maidens) are shown in a graceful posture, their attire reflecting traditional Rajasthani styles with bright lehengas and dupattas. Their faces are expressive, radiating devotion and admiration towards Shrinathji.
The background of the painting often includes lush landscapes with blooming trees, and cows to represent Vrindavan, where Krishna spent his childhood. Golden detailing, lotus motifs, and ornate borders add to the regal and devotional feel of the artwork. Another fact about the painting is that the skies have been illustrated as night and a bright moon is hung on the occasion of Sharad Purnima (full moon).
This masterpiece showcases Lord Krishna blended within these clouds, a mesmerizing sight unfolds–cows soaring gracefully through the sky. The cows, painted with a detailed appearance almost ethereal looking, some of their body hiding inside the clouds yet retaining their distinct features. Their calm, divine face mirrors the peacefulness of Krishna’s music, and their horns are adorned with some ornaments.
This serene piece of art is filled with lotuses, they represent beauty, fertility, purity, prosperity, and eternity. They aren’t simply lotuses but different blooming stages of a lotus. In some beliefs, the blooming lotus represents the heart of a person who has achieved enlightenment. In Pichhwai painting Lotus flowers depict the summer which is why they are hung in summer.
Pichhwai paintings are traditionally created using natural colors derived from minerals, vegetables, gold dust, and even precious stones. The artists (Chitaras) work with great precision to depict the divine stories of Krishna with vivid, bright colors and elaborate detailing. The cloth is usually starched, and multiple layers of colors are applied with intricate brushwork, often requiring weeks or even months to complete a single painting.
One of the most iconic representations in Pichwai is the Annakut Pichwai, which depicts Lord Krishna during the festival of Annakut, a celebration where mountains of food are offered to Krishna to honor his protection of the people.
In this particular painting, Shrinathji is shown in the center, elegantly dressed in rich attire, surrounded by piles of food, symbolizing the feast after he saved the villagers from the wrath of Indra by lifting the Govardhan Hill. The offerings, made in different shapes and sizes, represent an abundance of earthly gifts. The use of colors like gold, saffron, and deep greens adds an opulent and divine aura to the scene.
The scenery is typically a rich green or gold, signifying prosperity and divine presence, with trees and lotus ponds drawn in the background. There are small depictions of devotees, primarily gopis (milkmaids), who are busy in their act of devotion, offering food to the deity.
Cows and peacocks are depicted prominently, showing the connection between Krishna and nature. The detailing of Krishna’s jewelry, the folds of his clothing, and the expressions of the figures around him are all executed with remarkable precision, creating a feeling of awe and devotion for the viewer.
Pichhwai is not merely about aesthetic pleasure but also about devotion. Each element in a Pichhwai painting is carefully chosen to reflect the spiritual significance of the narrative. For instance, the portrayal of Krishna holding the Govardhan Hill becomes a metaphor for his role as the protector and sustainer of the universe.
Similarly, the blooming lotuses around Krishna signify spiritual enlightenment and transcendence. The connection between the devotee and the deity through this art form is what gives Pichwai its timeless appeal. Whether used in temple rituals or simply hung on a wall, the art continues to inspire reverence and devotion, drawing people closer to the divine essence of Krishna.
Pichhwai paintings are a brilliant confluence of art and spirituality. Rooted in the traditions of devotion, these paintings not only illustrate the life and stories of Lord Krishna but also capture the cultural ethos of India’s vibrant traditions. They stand as timeless symbols of devotion, beauty, and spirituality, continuing to inspire generations of artists and devotees alike.
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