Pichhwai paintings are intricate devotional artworks rooted in the Pushtimarg tradition, portraying the divine lilas of Lord Krishna as Srinathji. Originating in Nathdwara, Rajasthan, these sacred scrolls transform temple and home altars into vibrant narratives of Bhakti. From Annakuta to Rasa Lila, each Pichhwai celebrates a festival or divine play, making them spiritual and artistic treasures that continue to enchant devotees and collectors alike.
Pichhwai paintings hold a sacred place in the hearts of devotees worldwide, particularly in the Nathdwara tradition. These paintings often feature the divine form of Srinathji, Lord Krishna as a young prince, dark-skinned, with one hand raised above his head and the other tucked on his waist elegantly, reminiscent of the lifting of the Govardhana Mountain- —an act symbolizing his protection and benevolence.
This divine roopa of Sri Krishna has been popularized the world over as “Srinathji”, the living Lord or Thakurji of Nathdwara (Rajasthan) and the tutelary deity of Pushtimarg or Vallabha Sampradaya. Expression of devotion to Srinathji was given a concrete form of Seva (selfless service) by Vitthalnathji, the son of Sri Vallabhacharya, who is also credited with propounding the philosophy of “Shuddha Advaita” or pure non-dualism.
“Seva Vidhi” or the methods of service to Srinathji include-
Raag: Devotional music and chants sung to praise Krishna
Bhoga: Food offerings that nourish the deity
Sringaar: Ornamentation and the dressing of Srinathji and his sacred temple, known as his Haveli.
Shri Krishna Lifting The Govardhana Mountain
The origin of Pichhwai art lies in an act of loving service—Sringaar, the ritual adornment of Srinathji. It is for the Sringaar of Srinathji that the Pushtimargis developed the art of Pichhwai (पिछे back, वई- hanging) - wall hangings that adorned the background of Srinathji sanctum sanctorum, giving the devotees the experience of witnessing the divine Lilas and roopa (forms) of Sri Krishna.
The art form was born from the philosophy of Pushtimarg, a devotional path rooted in Shuddha Advaita (pure non-dualistic philosophy of Hinduism), Pushtimarg essentially believes in the ultimate union between the deity and the devotee, which teaches that union with the divine is granted through Pushti—the grace of Krishna.
The sacred mantra, “Sri Krishna Sharanam Mama” (श्रीकृष्ण शरणं ममः) - “I take refuge in Sri Krishna”; the mantra used to initiate members to Pushtimarg underlines the emphasis on Krishna’s omnipresence acknowledged by the ideals of Bhakti. Every stroke in a Pichhwai painting reflects this surrender and spiritual intimacy between devotee and Lord.
Throughout the sacred calendar of Pushtimarg, Lilas or divine plays of Sri Krishna are celebrated throughout the year by his followers as 24 Varshikotsava (annual festivals) and 8 Nityotsava (daily festivals), where Srinathji is bedecked to make attendance in front of his devotees who gather eagerly in the haveli of their Lord to catch a glimpse of his transcendental beauty.
To supplement and ornament each Darshana (sacred viewing), is brought to life with a matching Pichhwai, specially created to reflect the mood, season, or festival being observed. These paintings act as visual narrations of Krishna’s divine stories, enhancing the spiritual ambiance for every festival.
As flocks of devotees began traveling from faraway regions, the art of Pichhwai which was earlier focused on adorning the walls of Nathdwara extended to cater to the needs of itinerant devotees, who wished to carry the divine swaroopa of Srinathji for their household shrines.
The celebratory appearance of Varshikotsava and Nityotsava is accompanied by an artistic wall hanging or Pichhwai. Heavenly paintings depicting Lilas, forms, and the life of Sri Krishna, deities from the Vallabha Sampradaya, and Gurus (teachers) of Pushtimarg were created in different sizes, with a variety of materials, all of which today form the corpus of visual treasure we call Pichhwais.
Whether painted, embroidered, or appliquéd, each Pichhwai became more than an artwork—it became a portable shrine, allowing devotees to carry home the divine presence of Srinathji. Today, these visual treasures are cherished not only in temples, but in home altars, meditation spaces, and spiritual galleries across the world, continuing the living tradition of Bhakti through art.
The making of a Pichhwai painting begins in the workshops of artists, who traditionally come from the Jangid, Adi Gaur, and Mewaras groups.
The artists learn from their Guru, as a part of the Guru-Shishya Parampara. Only after a long training period, the artists ready to work on their own.
✔️The first step of painting a Pichhwai starts with choosing a canvas. Thick and dark colored clothes are chosen for Pichhwai, meant for winter decoration of the Nathdwara shrine, and bright and soft clothes, such as cotton, are used for summer.
✔️Outlines and sketching is done using a piece of coal or a pencil. Themes from the Bhagavata Purana, folk stories of Krishna, and festivals celebrated at the haveli of Srinathji are the subjects covered by the paintings.
✔️Mineral and vegetable paints and thin brushes are used for the first stage of painting, and then more paint is used to fill the spaces.
✔️Decoration of the Pichhwai is done with embroidery and gold work, to highlight parts of the canvas and give a divine touch to the scene. In the background of the temple and in homes of devotees, a Pichhwai comes to life as the colors and gold work shine in the light of lamps.
Pichhwai paintings have blossomed into a richly diverse visual tradition, influenced by both regional styles and devotional themes. From glorious depictions of Sri Krishna’s Lilas to distinctive regional aesthetics, each Pichhwai offers a unique spiritual and artistic expression.
The popularity of Pichhwai soon transcended the borders of Nathadwara and reached different regions, where the art form was nourished with the styles and aesthetics of local artists. Noteworthy innovations in the traditional Nathadwara school of Pichhwai painting are-
One can alternatively categorize Pichhwai paintings based on the themes and subjects displayed by them. Broadly, we can group these artworks into- a) paintings of Srinathji and Krishna Lilas and b) Pichhwais devoted to the members of Pushtimarg including Sri Yamunaji, and saints of Vallabha sampradaya.
The divine plays of Sri Krishna have captured the devoted consciousness of Indian artists from ancient times. In Pichhwais, we see the continuation of the Hindu tradition of celebrating the mysticism and meaning of Krishna’s innocent and mischievous acts, performed by the dark-skinned Lord in Mathura and Vrindavana.
Pichhwai paintings are not just artistic expressions — they are visual hymns that celebrate the sacred calendar of Pushtimarg. Each festival depicted is an invitation to witness a divine moment, with Srinathji at the heart of every sacred celebration.
"Annakuta" Festival : Various Forms Of Shrinathji Worshipped | Pichwai Art
Annakuta (mountain of Anna or foodgrain) is a prevalent festival celebrated by Pushtimargis and Krishna devotees across the world. This commemorates a young Krishna’s victory over the pride of Indra, whose wrath, pouring as the rain was defeated when Krishna lifted the mount Govardhana on his little finger. Pichhwai paintings of the Annakuta festival show Srinathji in this characteristic posture of lifting the mountain, surrounded by offerings of Bhoga( food offerings), and being serviced by priests.
Shri Krishna Raasleela With Shrinathji In Frame | Pichhwai Art
Maharasa or Rasa Lila is an episode from Krishna’s time as the beloved of gopis (milkmaids of Brija), where he is described as dancing in a Mandala (circle) with all of them in a dynamic festival of devoted affection. Rasa Lila Pichhwai paintings visualize Krishna and Gopis in the grooves, encircled by dancing peacocks, with some gopis dancing in the circle, others playing musical instruments, each one of them savoring the emotion of being close to her Lord.
"Gopashtami" or Festival of Cows Pichwai
Krishna’s love toward his cows is deified through Gopashtami Pichhwais, which present the festival of Gopashtami being celebrated, with herds of cows painted beautifully and adorned with ornaments, and Srinathji as Gopala (protector of cows) standing in the center of the scene.
"Dana Lila" God Shrinathji Being Offered Tax (Dana)By Gopis | Pichwai Art
Daan-Lila festival of Srinathji commemorates Krishna’s mischievous deeds, especially how he demanded Daan or donation as a tax from the gopis, in return for a safe passage to their home. Gopis who were charmed by the dark-skinned Lord, hid their joy behind the veil of complaints, ultimately obliging to this loving demand. The episode is infused with delicate emotions of Prema (love) and Bhakti (devotion) and is recreated by the makers of Pichhwais, showing Gopis gathered with their pots of Makhan as toll, and Krishna as Srinathji.
Sandhya Aarti: Krishna with Balaram and Cows welcomed by Maa Yashoda | Pichwai Art
The welcoming of Sri Krishna, Balram, and other gopa (cowherds) in the evening after they had collected their cows is illustrated on Sandhya Aarti Pichhwai paintings, which often show Krishna and his friends standing at the gates, with Maa Yashoda and other female residents performing aarti joyously.
Vrikshachari Pichwai : Gopis waiting for Krishna in Grooves
Pichhwai paintings where Krishna is absent from the canvas, and symbolically present as the Kadamba vriksha (tree) are known as Vrikshachari Pichhwais. The paintings depict Gopis standing together in the grooves, in the anticipation of the arrival of their beloved Krishna.
Morakuti Pichhwai paintings recreate the magnificence of dancing peacocks in the village of Sri Radha, which was also called Morakuti. Under dark clouds, peacocks, symbols of love, stand with their feathers forming eye-catching semi-circles behind them, reminding the devotees of the nourishing feeling of love between Srinathji and Radha ji.
The allure of traditional Indian artworks and how they majestically stand out in modern spaces can never be overemphasized. These pieces of art are your way to remain in touch with the deep roots of Indian religiosity and aesthetics while patronizing the artists who make these masterworks and being a part of preserving a living tradition. Today, they are not only symbols of devotion but also sought-after elements of heritage design.
1. Pichhwai in Home Decor: Sacred Meets Chic
2. From Scroll to Style: Textiles & Wall Hangings
3. Spiritual Ambience in Wellness & Yoga Spaces
4. Galleries, Offices & Boutique Spaces
5. Digital Meets Devotion: Pichhwai in Modern Media
Indian paintings, including Pichhwais, are divine images as well as heritage gems, and worshipping one in your home Puja ghar or displaying a Pichhwai masterpiece on your walls will instill in your home the heavenly vibrations of Srinathji.
✔️ Timeless elegance rooted in spiritual heritage ✔️ A reminder of Krishna’s divine presence in your home ✔️ Support for Indian artisan communities and living traditions ✔️ Blends effortlessly into modern, boho, traditional, or minimalist decor styles ✔️ Brings a story, a mood, and a message — not just a visual
Whether you’re a collector, devotee, or mindful decorator, choosing the right source ensures you support traditional artisans and receive a piece steeped in heritage. Explore Exotic India Art’s selection of heavenly Srinathji Pichhwais and Sri Krishna Lila Pichhwai paintings, and welcome the Lord of Nathadwara into your home.
✅ Look for intricate detailing, especially in faces, jewelry, and background flora ✅ Check for natural pigment use and hand-drawn borders ✅ Ask about the artist lineage or school — true artists often follow the Pushtimarg tradition ✅ Avoid overly cheap or mass-produced prints sold as “handmade” ✅ Support artists who are continuing the ritual, not just the aesthetic
Pichhwai art originated in Nathdwara, Rajasthan, as a devotional expression within the Pushtimarg tradition to adorn the sanctum of Lord Srinathji.
Traditional Pichhwais are made using handwoven cloth, natural pigments, gold leaf, embroidery, zari, and occasionally applique work depending on the season and festival theme.
Yes. Many devotees use Pichhwai paintings in their puja rooms or as spiritual wall art, bringing both aesthetic grace and devotional energy into their home.
Authentic Pichhwais are hand-painted or handcrafted by trained artisans, often in the Nathdwara region, using natural colors and traditional themes. Avoid mass-produced digital prints.
Pichhwais commonly depict Krishna Lila episodes such as Annakuta, Rasa Lila, Gopashtami, Daan Lila, and Sandhya Aarti, each tied to Pushtimarg traditions and temple rituals.
You can find authentic Pichhwai paintings in Nathdwara artist workshops, cultural emporiums, or trusted platforms like Exotic India Art, Jaypore, or Gaatha Handicrafts.
1. The Arts of India (Virginia Museum of Fine Arts)
2. Textiles: Binding Threads Between Cultures (National Museum Collections)
3. Google Arts and Culture
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