Sapta Ashva

A contemporary work steeped in tradition, inspired by the Surya Mantra. The work depicts seven horses in full gallop across the skies. These signify the arrival of the Sun God.  

Lord Surya or the Sun God in Hinduism is the chief solar deity and is notably mentioned as the visible form of God that one can see every day. Important scriptures and Hindu myt...hology contain several depiction of Lord Surya riding seven horses. Hence, he is sometimes referred to as Saptashva (Lord of Seven Horses). 

The horses symbolize the cosmic rays, which radiate warmth in life. As they move across the skies, they remove darkness and usher in light. The seven horses also symbolize the seven colours of the rainbow thereby bringing in good fortune and joy. In this work, therefore, the use of radiant colours for the horses, and the warm colour of the background is intended to signify this. Furthermore, with Red being the most auspicious of colours in several beliefs and regions in Asia the work takes on a significantly auspicious hue.

Acrylic on Canvas, 36" X 48" / 2012 / Framed
Status: Acquired