The Felicitation Of Lord Balaji

Email

Whatsapp

Facebook

Pinterest

Twitter

Copy link

Name: The Felicitation Of Lord Balaji
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: PV19
Price: 165.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$165

The Balaji iconography is a venerable, reassuring sight for the one whose heart is filled with devotion. To be found in numerous private and public temples across the subcontinent, the Mehendipur temple in Dasau, Rajasthan, is the fountainhead of this Lord Hanuman-roopa. The word ‘bala’ in Sanskrt stands for ‘child’: it is the innocent yet powerful bala-roopa of the Lord that inspires and commands worship.

Zoom in on the face of the Lord - the protruding jaw, the large eyes brimming with childlike wisdom, both indicative of Deva Hanuman. Some giveaways of the Balaji iconography are the dense complexion, the ornate towering crown, and the plethora of garlands He is felicitated with, from beneath the layers of which His gentle feet could be seen. In fact, streams of fresh flowers form somewhat of an aureole around the venerable figure.

The pillars and arch that define His altar have been finished with remarkable attention to detail. A sharp-tusked kirtimukham graces the zenith of the arch, while a conch and a chakra are to be found at its base. Pastel-coloured silk curtains complement the simple chequered floors and the richly decorated frame of the painting.

Quantity

Notify me when this item is available

Item Code:	PV19
Artist:	Rabi Behera
Specifications:	Water Color Painting on Tussar SilkFolk Art from the Temple Town of Puri (Orissa)Artist: Rabi Behra
Dimensions	20.5 inch X 22 inch

Handmade

Free delivery

Fully insured

100% Made in India

Fair trade

Mastering the Ancient Technique: Exploring the Meticulous Creation of Pattachitra Paintings

The traditional Pattachitra is a scroll painting that is done on cloth. This is revealed in the name; Pattachitra is a Sanskrit term made from two words i.e. Patta meaning cloth and Chitra meaning picture. The main subject of this painting is portraying Hindu mythological narratives, scenes from religious texts, and folktales. Pattachitra paintings are especially practiced in eastern Indian states such as West Bengal and Odisha, and also in some parts of Bangladesh. This art form is closely related to Shri Jagannath and the tradition of the Vaishnava sect. It is believed that Pattachitra art originated in the 11th century and the people of Odisha practice it even today without any discrepancy. Bengalis use these scroll paintings for ritual purposes (as a visual device) during the performance of a song or Aarti.

Pattachitra paintings are characterized by creative and traditional motifs/designs, decorative borders, and bright colorful applications. The outline of the figure and motifs are bold and sharp. Some common shapes and motifs seen in these paintings are trees, flowers, leaves, elephants, and other creatures. The artists of Odisha and Bengal still use the traditional method of painting which gives a unique look to it altogether.

1. Canvas is prepared

The process of painting a Pattachitra begins by preparing the canvas (patta). Generally, cotton cloth is used for making the canvas. The local artists dip the cotton cloth in a mixture of tamarind seeds and water for a few days. The cloth is then taken out and dried in the sun. Now natural gum is applied over it to stick another layer of cotton cloth on it. Thus a thick layer of cotton cloth is formed. This layered cotton is sun-dried and a paste of chalk powder, tamarind, and gum is applied on both sides. The surface of the cloth is then rubbed with two different stones for smoothening and it is again dried. This process gives the cloth a leathery finish and it is now ready to be painted.

2. Natural colors are made using traditional method

The painters prepare and use vegetable and mineral colors for application in the painting. White color is made from conch shells, black is made by burning coconut shells, Hingula is used for red color, Ramaraja for blue, and Haritala for yellow.

3. Colors are filled in

The artist now makes a double-lined border on all four sides of the canvas. The local artists are so expert in painting that they do not draw figures and motifs with pencil but directly draw them with a brush. The paint brushes that the painters use are made of the hair of domestic animals, a bunch of which is tied to the end of a bamboo stick. The figures are now painted with natural colors using the indigenous brushes. The outline is thickened with black color.

4. Painting is given a finishing

Finally, the painting is varnished/glazed to protect it from any damage and to get a glossy shine on the surface.

The making of a Pattachitra is laborious work and therefore, one painting may sometimes take over a month to complete. Due to their classical look, these paintings are admired by people from all over the world. The artistic skills used in Pattachitra are passed down from one generation to another and thus are preserved to date.