A richly coloured tri-devi composition (‘tri’ is Sanskrt for three) comprising Devi Rajarajeshvari flanked by Devi Lakshmi and Devi Sarasvati. Tripurasundari is at the very centre. She is wearing a saree of delicate crimson silk, the brocade of which, in addition to the crown on Her head and the ornaments on Her person, are executed with solid gold embellishment. Of the three deities, the archway over Her head features the Kirtimukham motif.
To the right of Rajarajeshvari is Lakshmi in Her gold and scarlet silks. To the left, Devi Sarasvati in Her unmistakable ivory attire. All three devis are possessed of four arms - as such, they are chaturbhujadharinis - but while Rajarajeshvari’s legs are in lalitasana, Lakshmi and Sarasvati have assumed the ardhapadmasana. A bowlful of offerings of fruit and sweetmeat are at the foot of each of the three thrones.
From the thrones to the temple-esque archway along the upper edge of the painting, there is precious metallic inlay-work in almost every aspect. This is what makes Tanjore art so widely coveted and befits the predominantly religious themes. A tri-devi composition such as this one is sure to add to the auspiciousness of your home or office.
This Tanjore style painting beautifully portrays Kamadhenu, also known as Surabhi, that is described in the Vedic scriptures as a Goddess who manifested herself in the form of a wish fulfilling cow in Swargalok. The term Kamadhenu is a blend of two words – “Kama” meaning “desire” or “wish” and “Dhenu” meaning “milk cow”. Therefore, she miraculously grants the seeker whatever he desires and thus is honored and considered to be the mother of all cows. The mother cow has a great spiritual significance; she is an endless giver of resources and nourishment; her mil sustains the life of many species and her urine is used for many medicinal purposes.
The painting that you see here shows the all-attractive Lord Krishna in His childhood form. The uncommon childish activities of Krishna astonished everyone and they developed endless love toward Him. Seeing His beautiful bodily features, even the animals of Vrindavan used to get caught up in the highest state of ecstasy.
Extremely mesmerizing is the gold embellishment of this Tanjore painting that portrays Lord Krishna who is an ocean of mercy and bliss. Whoever sees His attractive form gets absorbed in the highest form of pleasure because His transcendental form is Sac-cid-ananda; Eternal, and full of knowledge and bliss. Therefore, when He appeared in the holy land of Vraja, the inhabitants of Vrindavan were astonished to see the beautiful bodily features of Krishna, wondering how can someone be so attractive. They were always absorbed in the thoughts of Krishna and loved Him with all their hearts. Krishna being the source of all pleasures, gave them the highest form of pleasure in return.
Although Krishna is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, He appeared on the earth in Dwapara Yuga as an ordinary child to attract everyone towards bhakti and engage His devotees in His transcendental pastimes. All the residents of Vrindavan loved Him with all their hearts and Krishna, who is the source of all pleasures, gave them the highest form of pleasure and happiness in return. They were unaware of the fact that He is the Supreme Lord, and sometimes, His uncommon and extraordinary activities astonished everyone.
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