Nevari is the term for the architecture and aesthetics of the Neva people of Nepal. Inhabitants of the Kathmandu valley, the Neva people are known for their love of well-defined lines and solid, statement colours. The thangka that you see on this page is atypical of the Nevari aesthetic. It depicts the seated Shakyamuni in the bhoomisparsha stance. Gautama Buddha is clad in a peach-coloured low-wo

The brown, sparkling eyes keep a steady gaze over the mirror, stupified by their own beauty, filled with kohl and green eyeliner that enhances their beauty. The red-colored lips have twitched into a smile and the long, elegantly straight nose sets over the smooth, wheaty-complexioned face of the woman. Her neck is adorned with two dim faux colored diamond necklaces and white pearl Mala tha

Much has been written about Ganesha. As Hindu dharma's most adorable boy-deity, He has inspired countless artisans and painters, and poets across the subcontinent since time immemorial; and how could He not? So overcome by love are His devotees - and so widespread His followers - that His form is ubiquitous on the streets, inside homes, and across commercial establishments in India. This is b

Lord Ganapati is hailed as the chief of the celestial hosts and his various prayers recorded in Vedic texts invoke him as the Law of the laws, Seer of the seers and Principal of the principals. This tiger eye sculpture of Ganesha is an entirely unique artifact to decorate your surroundings in the beauty of its creativity and the dazzling effect it reflects on being exposed to bright light.

Mahakala comes from the Sanskrit maha (great) and Kala (death or time) which translates that he is a deity beyond time. In Tibet, he is also called the Nagpo Chenpo, or the Great Black One, and is revered as guardian and protector. He is affiliated with the Hindu god Shiva. According to tradition, he dwells in the cremation grounds. In this thangka, he is depicted with two arms and two legs. On hi

The unmistakable Tanjore painting is an especial kind of palagai padam (South Indian panel painting). Having originated as icons designed to grace the homes and temples of the wealthy, these works of art depict deities from the Hindu pantheon in all their iconographic beauty and glory. As such, the handpicked Tanjore painting that you see on this page is a collector’s item and would be a valuabl

Ganesha's timeless appeal has been captured to perfection in this watercolor by artist Tulsi Das Vimbark. From the chubby limbs in their usual stance to the characteristic pot-belly of the indulgent laddoo-lover, this painting inspires a world of affection in the heart of the devotee. Note the soft glow of the skin, the effulgence of the elephant countenance. The golden halo that graces the h

Lord Ganesha's nature is to shower fortune and bliss wherever he is worshipped and here also he is holding a traditional lamp via chain by his twisted trunk. Well, in this illustration, Shri Ganesha's sweet face represents all the attributes of his personality, such as; his smartness, cuteness, attentiveness, childish expressions along with the lotus eyes, all these features are filled i

The mukhamandala (countenance) of Lord Ganesha emerges straight from a resplendent sun. A circular row of the Devanagari inscription of aum, a sacred life-affirming syllable, forms a halo around His head. In fact the sun itself is the halo of Lord Ganesha but, unlike other haloed sculptures in Indian iconography, this one does not comprise a discrete circular diskette at the back of the deity’s

A private moment between two young sahelis (female friends). As they while away their time with a dhol in their private chambers, the princess opens up the recesses of her heart to her favourite lady-in-waiting. She is telling her about a young man, a handsome warrior of the neighboring kingdom, whom she had occasion to exchange a glance with. Her heart is in a fledgling state of enamour, and she

Calligraphy is the art of forming lovely symbol with the swift movements of our hands. In this painting, Kailash Raj breaks the religious barriers to create a sophisticated yet astoundingly beautiful Arabic calligraphy. The splendid chirography is gorgeously etched with charcoal black paint over the thick paper canvas. Vibrant mihrab arches over the sheet, being blessed with amazing colors that tw

In Hinduism, Religion Rasaleela is an interesting phenomenon. It refers to the ihalokiya (earthly) conduct - ‘leela’ - of the Vishnu-avatara Krishna. The word ‘rasa’ translates to aesthetics. As such, ‘rasaleela’ refers to the aesthetic depiction of Krishnaleela. The painting that you see on this page is of the image that first occurs to the mind when a devotee hears the word rasaleela

Little girl painting with her 2 pups gif

Such was the depth of Mirabai's devotion that it commanded the living presence of Lord Krishna. She was a mystic of the highest order and belonged to the bhakti cult of North India. Her composure of countenance betrays the loverlike nature of her reverence, which is one of the many schools of bhakti. For the resplendence of the oils and the spiritual ethos of the theme alone would this painti

The exquisitely carved object depicts Ganesa as a musician; playing the shehnai, engaged in a pleasant mood. Music is one of the important branches of ancient Indian culture. Early Indian sages and musicians were well aware of the science of music; therefore, their endeavors paved way for the invention and composition of different ragas and raginis of Indian classical music. Instrumental music

The majestic Lord Ganesha is seated on an upturned-lotus throne. This chaturbhujadhari (the one possessed of four arms) figure seated in lalitasana is a widely loved and worshipped roopa (form) of the deity. What makes this a unique work of art is the medium in which it is fashioned and the finesse with which it has been executed. It is a panchaloha sculpture handpicked from the finest studios of

A standing Ganesha is one of the most rarely seen postures of Ganesha sculptures. Here he stands diligently on a thick pedestal having a green grassy platform with the mouse towards his left foot, busy eating modak. This sculpture is chiseled out of a single piece of white translucent marble that allows light to enter and produce a soft glow while retaining its high polish. Have a look at the beau

This exquisite painting displays Krishna’s childhood pastime in the traditional Tanjore style. The precision with which it has been made and the use of vibrant colors makes it appealing and breathtaking. Lord Krishna being the Supreme Lord, appeared just like an ordinary child in Vrindavan but His naughty and uncommon activities were always astonishing for all the inhabitants of Vraja including

A young lady of distinctly noble bearing has stepped into the Shivamandir to pay her respects. She has duteously risen, dressed up, and arrived at the temple of her Lord at the crack of dawn. Within the bonds of her silence and sadhana, her roopa takes on an ethereal glow. She has lit the gold ghee lamp before Him. With her fair hands she lifts up the tiny basket of freshly plucked flowers that sh

Perfect shades of vibrant colors and the sharp beauty of lord Ganesha, who stands in his nritya (dance) posture on a high pedestal decorated with lotus petals at the top and two multi-wick diyas of devotion on either side, majorly enhance picturesque aspects of this oil painting. The oval aureole bordered with full-grown multicolored flowers enhances the auspiciousness of this elephant god; garbed

Indian contemporary art mainly focuses on portraits. In this oil painting, the artist captures a middle-aged woman decorating herself. The woman is illustrated with a porcelain complexion, with her lovely countenance being etched with small almond eyes, a wide Nubian nose, and watermelon pink lips that complement her deep philtrum and her harmonizing nail paint. Her crimson red bindiya contrasts h

Tanjore paintings are famous for their unique depictions of devotional icons with pure gold coating and vivid colors. In this painting, Lord Venkateshavara stands straight atop a small elevated platform in His four-armed form (chaturbhuja). He is unprecedently dressed in a perfectly pleated pitambar (bright yellow) dhoti down to His ankles. Between the two fingers of His upper hands, He holds His

The merciless Durga brings the great Mahishasura to His knees. Her simhavahana (lion-mount) has him between its teeth, while the dashabhujadharini (the one possessed of ten arms) push Him down with Her feet and drives the spear end of Her trishoola (trident) into Him. Helplessly, the proud Mahishasura looks up at the feminine victor. The work of art that you see on this page is a pattachitra of th

Goddess Durga then fought Mahishasura over a period of fifteen days during which he kept changing his shape to become different animals and misled her. Mahishasura believed that there is no woman in the world who could cause him any harm. The legend continues, Mahishasura, high on the power of "immortality", attacked Trilok (the three worlds of earth, heaven and hell) with his army. He e

The silhouette of Ganesha is unmistakable. The chubby limbs, the pot belly, the signature trunk, and the large ears are each enough to give away His sacred presence. The adorable boy-deity of the Hindu pantheon, Ganesha is arguably the most deeply loved deity; His icons, the most widely stocked up on. This Ganesha is small enough to fit into the palm of the devotee, the gracious lines of the sculp