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Varalakshmi

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        Gouache and pearl gold on paper, 11.5" x 8", 2020                                              A painting inspired by the visuals of Visiripparai and Goddess Lakshmi's earlier forms as Srivatsam (as found in temples such as Siyamangalam and Uthirameroor), shared by our mentor Artist  @balajisrinivasan  during Citraprakaranam sessions. PC - Tamil Heritage Foundation Visiripparai, monolithic rockcut structures found in the Godavari delta and parts of Tamil nadu. prehistoric form of Mother Goddess or Devi worship. resembles a seated figure, or a kalasam, and to me : a tree and its roots. PC - from Earliest representation of Goddess Shri in Dravidian Art, Ph.d Research Scholar S.Deepika  Srivatsam, early historic representation/ iconoraphy of Sri in temples, as in Siyamangalam (SivavisnuChaturvedi mangalam) and Uthirameroor. srivatsam is flanked either by crocodiles or elephants. crocodiles represent the ocean ( Ratnakara, meaning producer of wealth ,the father of Lak
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Mathangakanyam manasa smarami

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Mathangi is A feeling An experience A prayer A hope A vow A blessing A boon.                                                           (11.5*16 inches, Watercolour and gouache on paper, April 2021) She eludes, She inspires, She soothes, She at once reveals and obliviates. She is all that and much  more. How do I depict Her, the Mother of the universe who is Lalitha's Mantrini, Shiva's consort, Krishna's shakthi and Rama Herself. Somewhere the line blurred between the artist and the devotee. Despite the awe inspiring aspects, it is the benign and benevolent that impressed more. Vaakdevatha that She is,She inspired a dumb poet, Mooka kavi to write 500 verses and a simpleton, Kalidasa to sing the beautiful n dynamic Shyamala dhandakam. "Mookam karothi vachalam pangum langayathe girim..." She makes the dumb speak and cripples leap mountains.. She gives life, knowledge, harmony and protection. Hence  the amritha, the spatika mala, the chinmudra / gyanamudra, pushpaban
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In our neighbourhood - KudumiyanMalai

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  It was a late start, midday almost, for a promised boat trip for the kids at Chitthannavasal. @balajisrinivasan , suggested the time was just right for Kudumiyanmalai, Historically important Kudavaraikoil (rockcut temple) ASI site with Musical inscriptions attributed to Mahendra Pallavar. He told about the Rishabavahanar and Nayanmars cut in the rocks above. Intrigued! 5 minutes to noon. Had to run to see Shikanathar(moolavar); the lingam has a tuft, hence Kudumiyan. A sideways glance at the bronzes.  2 minutes  at Akhilandeswari's sannidhi and done. Archakar  locked n left. There was a local elder whom he said will show us the cave temple. We saw a hexagonal platform where kings were coronated, with 2 beautiful stone maidens standing in veneration The beautiful stucco work atop the palliarai (god's chambers) was mesmerizing. Then to the surprise! At the well near Devi's sannidhi, you look up and find the beautiful Rishabavahanar and Nayanmars!  Glancing at the parijatha
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Kanchana Seetha (ponnaeru uzhudhu Petra ponmagal)...

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The golden offspring of Mother Earth begotten by the golden ploughshare. The gold that the earth yields despite being struck albeit with a golden shaft. The anticipation and promise of a golden harvest, sustenance of life and peace Bhoomija...born of the Earth she of golden heart,  the personification of the Earth's endurance, forbearance, forgiveness, kindness and goodness.. pure, precious, everlasting... Gold Kanchana Seetha, 16.5 x 11.5 in, Watercolour & Gouache on paper, Feb 2021
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