Rudrani IV
Rudrani is Shakti and the consort of Rudra (Shiva). She later came to be identified as a manifestation of Durga. Rudrani is considered to be the confluence of the power of all goddesses. On an appeal from the Gods and armed by them she battled and vanquished the evil forces represented by Mahishasur the demon who appeared in several forms ( including that of a buffalo). Interestingly it may be observed that "Durga" in sanskrit means a fort and the significance of this title to the Mother Goddess indicates that she protects her devotees just as a fort protects a kingdom.

This work is inspired by 1) Dassain / Durga Pooja and 2) the #metoo movement. 
In the work the artist has left one hand free of any weapons thus
emphasising that Rudrani can also clearly battle on her own strength without several weapons and help being provided by the Gods. The work hence speaks of woman empowerment.

Acrylic on canvas 48" x 36"
Status: Acquired

Trisul V

Inspired by a visit to the Himalayas and the outstanding view of Trisul, a group of three Himalayan mountain peaks of western Kumaun, with the highest (Trisul I) reaching 7120 m. The three peaks resemble a trident or in Sanskrit, Trishula- being the weapon used by Lord Shiva to protect himself and his devotees from evil. Hence Trisul.

Acrylic on canvas (48" x 36") 
Status: Available 

 

Radheya 

Warrior of the Mahabharata epic, Karna is a fascinating character. He is depicted as a tragic hero; gifted, righteous and brave, whose warrior skills won the admiration of Bhishma and Krishna. 

To the artist, Radheya (the son of Radha the adopted mother) or Karna is the ultimate hero. Born to glory, the son of Surya and eldest brother of the Pandavas, noble warrior, outstanding speaker, unbeatable archer, loyal friend and the ultimate giver, acclaimed by the divine Krishna as "a true, honest, good man" and "the best among those who understand and uphold the dharma" he fought against all odds after being abandoned by his biological mother Kunti. There is no greater sacrifice than his.

Born with aspects of his divine father Surya – the earrings and armor breastplate – that made him an immortal at birth , and inspite of being warned, Karna chooses to lose these divine gifts and effectively his life in order to uphold his reputation as the one who always gives dāna 

The work captures that moment when the God Indra, father of Arjuna (portrayed as the lightening bolt or Vajra, the Ankush and his 'vaahan' the multi trunked white elephant ) disguises himself as a poor brahmin (symbolised by the alms bowl),  asks for Karna's  earrings and breast plate in order to protect his own son in battle.

Karna's posture in the work depicts his questioning destiny even as he hands over his divine gifts and life thus choosing to uphold his life choices and values. The bull denotes Karna's prowess as a warrior, while the bow is laid down in submission to his fate and values. Interestingly this bow, named Vijaya was created by Vishwakarma for Lord Shiva, handed for safekeeping to Indra, then given to Parshuram to conquer wrong doers and further gifted by him to his worthy student Karna.

Acrylic on canvas (48" X 36" )
Status: Available

Dashavatara III
As per Hindu Mythology, whenever the world has been threatened with disorder, evil and destructive forces, The Preserver among the Holy Trinity, Lord Vishnu has taken on various incarnations or avatars to restore cosmic order. Dashavatara refers to the ten primary incarnations of Vishnu that descended during times of chaos in each of the four Yugas or age in time. As per Puranic astronomical estimates together, these four yugas constitute one Mahayuga and equal 4.32 million human years. Interestingly the incarnations vary across regions and different sects of Hinduism and hence no list is bereft of controversy but importantly all believe in the essence of Dashavtara.
Fascinated by this concept the artist was moved to represent the mythology on canvas. 

Acrylic on canvas / 36" X 48"
Status: Acquired 

The Courtyard of Serenity III
A courtyard is a fascinating architectural space. The artist connects this space to a spiritual experience. Located usually in the very centre of strong built-up living areas and opening up to the skies and the elements, a courtyard seems to be synonymous to the spirituality that lies within us... that spirituality which opens our minds and bodies to the greater scheme of life itself. 

Across cultures the courtyard is a space where people meet and bond. It is sacred to the concept of families, their beliefs and their love. In Hindu households the courtyard is the space where the sacred 'Tulsi' plant is tended to and nurtured. Hence the parallel drawn to our internal sacred courtyard of love which we may adorn, nurture and help flourish. Our own courtyard of serenity. In this work a horse is seen entering this sacred space. In Buddhism the horse is symbolic of energy and effort in the practice of dharma. It also symbolises the air or 'prana' which runs through the channels of the body and is the vehicle of the mind.

Mixed media on canvas (36" X 48" )
Status: Acquired