Archive for July, 2018

24
Jul

Nataraja: Shiva, the Lord of Dance

   Posted by: admin    in Contemporary Art

Have you seen the depiction of great Lord Shiva in magnificent artworks crafted by several artists throughout the period of time?

You must have. The most known of all forms of Shiva is the Nataraja.

The dancing figure of Shiva has become a source of theme for numerous artists. In the head office of CERN in Switzerland, the artefact of Nataraja is placed at the entrance only.

Even in various Lord Shiva paintings, this form has been exhibited beautifully.

Do you have any idea about the essence of this form of Shiva?

If no, this is the blog you should read. In the least words I am going to throw light on the hidden meaning of Nataraja form of Shiva.

Shiva: The lord of dance

Do not misinterpret by the tagline ‘lord of dance’ by imagining Lord Shiva as a choreographer or something like that.

Yes, he was a choreographer, but not of some dance form but of the universe.

The dance he is depicted doing in all the artworks is known as the cosmic dance or also known as the ‘tandava’.

This dance form is supposed to both create and destroy the universe. If you get a chance to witness this exquisite form of Shiva in any of the artwork, just notice the bend knees.

The bend knees and the exorbitant spread out of the hairs are known to reflect the wildness and energy that is involved in the cosmic dance.

Artists ensure to depict the Omni-present aspect of Lord Shiva by exhibiting a skull, a crescent moon and a datura blossom in his locks.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the Lord Shiva paintings is the personification of Ganga from his locks. The famous tale goes like when Shiva made Ganga come down to earth calmly by allowing her to flow through his hairs.

Another interesting factor is the numerous hands shown in the manifestation of Nataraja form of Lord Shiva.

One of the hand is holding damru representing Shiva is dancing on his own tunes. Damru also signifies that it was the holy sound of drums that led to the creation of entire universe as we know it.

Few of the artists also signified Damru as an hour glass showing Shiva controls time.

The beat of the damru or drum is assumed to be the core of the cosmos and is represented as Maya.

In another hand, Shiva is shown holding Agni, the fire (divine) that will ultimately sweep out the entire universe.

Another hand of Shiva shows a specific stature known as Abhaya mudra. This is considered as a gesture to provide blessings as per Hinduism.

This mudra or gesture is supposed to trim down all fear and make us calm.

Lord Shiva paintings depict this deity’s another hand points towards his left foot which is in Gaja hasta mudra. This gesture represents salvation and liberation.

Final words

The grace of Nataraja form of Lord Shiva is immense and I have tried to decipher few of the interpretations of this magnificent physical manifestation. For more updates like this, stay tuned.

Thanks!

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6
Jul

Why are Ganesha paintings ideal for Indian people?

   Posted by: admin    in Ganesha Paintings

People in India are highly emotional and touchy when it comes to the Gods and religions. Maybe that’s why the trend to carve Gods & their stories on canvas is still highly popular.

Artists across the world have left all the conventional themes behind except this one. It is so because people love to have an artwork of their favourite deity in their home or office.

For instance, if we talk about India itself, people here love to collect the paintings of their favourite Gods and Goddess.

I, however, is going to cover the reasons for the love people have for the Ganesha paintings.

Ganesha, son of Lord Shiva and Parvati, is adored and worshipped by billions of Hindus. But, what is so catchy about this deity that provides him the title of the ‘God with most followers’ in India?

This blog is going to give you enough reasons that show why people just love Ganesha artworks:

Ganesha is considered lucky

Perhaps every one of you might (or not) have said “Ganpati Bappa Morya” once in your life if you reside in India. Ganesha is considered as a good omen for starting, purchasing or producing something new.

Like for the opening of the shop, inauguration of a new house, or for the baby shower, Hindus in India do Ganesh puja.

Along with this, Ganesha paintings are said to bring prosperity and happiness to the home. This is why these paintings are in demand across the year.

They make the best gifts

It is amazing to see how Ganesha paintings fit every occasion as an ideal gift.

As already said, for occasions such as baby shower, opening of new shop/business, and housewarming the paintings of Ganesha are perfect gifts.

Now, there are a number of Hindu festivals where Ganesha is worshipped.

Like, Diwali, the festival of light, starts with the puja of Ganesha and his wife Goddess Laxmi on the main evening.  So, people not only purchase these paintings to gift but to adorn their own home too.

Another festival named as Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated to enjoy the birth of Ganesha.

People love to dance and carry the statue of Ganesha to the river or lake or sea to submerge it. It is a big festival and millions celebrate it.

It is a traditional custom to beautify your home or workplace with the alluring paintings of Ganesha on this day.

Apart from this, presenting to your loved one or purchasing Ganesha painting for yourself on the occasion of New Year is believed to bring luck to your entire year.

Ganesha – a friend of children

Ganesha was a naughty kid, but with great focus, and a wise mind. This is why Ganesha has earned a special place in the hearts of kids.

Hence, you will find a lot of paintings or other artworks of Ganesha given as birthday presents for kids.

Along with this, people hang exquisite art pieces of Ganesha in their kid’s rooms to spiritualise the entire aura and bring positivity.

Wrapping up

Indians love Lord Ganesha very much. They love to have sculptures, miniatures, paintings, and any form of art related to Ganesha with them.

You can find such artworks on the workstation of employees in corporate too. Even the CEO of your company might be having an abstract art of Lord Ganesha in his/her cabin.

Get your art piece today!

Thanks.

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