Gajendra Moksha

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In the version of this story in the Vishnudharmottara Purana, Huhu and Haha were two Gandharvas (celestial beings) known for their singing mastery. One day, immersed in a competition, they belittled the sage Devala who was judging their vocals. Angered, the sage cursed both of them, to take birth as wild beasts. When the Gandharvas realized their mistake and repented, the sage told them that one day, Vishnu will descend on earth and relieve them of the curse. The backstory of the elephant and the crocodile is featured in the Skanda Purana as well.

As per the account in the Bhagavata Purana, when Gajendra entered the lake to drink water, his leg was grabbed by the crocodile. A tussle went on between both of them, during which friends and companions of Gajendra left his side. Distraught, Gajendra cried for help, as an answer to which, Vishnu, mounted on Garuda (kite) came to his rescue. The image in this Pattachitra presents a glorious Vishnu accompanied by his female potency and consort Lakshmi, on his way to salvage his devotee. Surya, the sun god (on the left), and Chandra, the moon god (on the right) bear witness to the compassion of Vishnu for all his creations.  Heavenly beings have come down to the earth to appreciate the greatness of Lakshmipati (consort of Lakshmi). Standing in the water, Gajendra is adorned in the manner of a king. His leg is still in the jaws of the crocodile, who is struck by the Sudarshana chakra (discus) of Vishnu. The greenery in the background, the waves in the bright blue water, and the cluster of clouds in the sky- all elements delineated beautifully by using skilled brushstrokes have imbibed life to this painting. The painting is finished with three parallel running borders- golden, red, and floral patterns on a black backdrop.

It is noteworthy that Gajendra was saved and freed from the cycle of birth and death, leading to him achieving Moksha (liberation) meanwhile the magnanimity of Vishnu did not leave the crocodile suspended either. Since he was slain by the Lord himself, the crocodile automatically was cleansed of all his previous births, and blessed by Vishnu, attained liberation. With such a moving illustration of the love of Vishnu for all his children, it is no wonder that Gajendramoksha was one of the narratives chosen by the makers of the earliest temple-builders, at the Dashavatara temple of Deogarh, and since then, has remained a popular legend among the devout followers of Vishnu. 

Mastering the Ancient Technique: Exploring the Meticulous Creation of Pattachitra Paintings

The traditional Pattachitra is a scroll painting that is done on cloth. This is revealed in the name; Pattachitra is a Sanskrit term made from two words i.e. Patta meaning cloth and Chitra meaning picture. The main subject of this painting is portraying Hindu mythological narratives, scenes from religious texts, and folktales. Pattachitra paintings are especially practiced in eastern Indian states such as West Bengal and Odisha, and also in some parts of Bangladesh. This art form is closely related to Shri Jagannath and the tradition of the Vaishnava sect. It is believed that Pattachitra art originated in the 11th century and the people of Odisha practice it even today without any discrepancy. Bengalis use these scroll paintings for ritual purposes (as a visual device) during the performance of a song or Aarti.

Pattachitra paintings are characterized by creative and traditional motifs/designs, decorative borders, and bright colorful applications. The outline of the figure and motifs are bold and sharp. Some common shapes and motifs seen in these paintings are trees, flowers, leaves, elephants, and other creatures. The artists of Odisha and Bengal still use the traditional method of painting which gives a unique look to it altogether.

1. Canvas is prepared

The process of painting a Pattachitra begins by preparing the canvas (patta). Generally, cotton cloth is used for making the canvas. The local artists dip the cotton cloth in a mixture of tamarind seeds and water for a few days. The cloth is then taken out and dried in the sun. Now natural gum is applied over it to stick another layer of cotton cloth on it. Thus a thick layer of cotton cloth is formed. This layered cotton is sun-dried and a paste of chalk powder, tamarind, and gum is applied on both sides. The surface of the cloth is then rubbed with two different stones for smoothening and it is again dried. This process gives the cloth a leathery finish and it is now ready to be painted.

2. Natural colors are made using traditional method

The painters prepare and use vegetable and mineral colors for application in the painting. White color is made from conch shells, black is made by burning coconut shells, Hingula is used for red color, Ramaraja for blue, and Haritala for yellow.

3. Colors are filled in

The artist now makes a double-lined border on all four sides of the canvas. The local artists are so expert in painting that they do not draw figures and motifs with pencil but directly draw them with a brush. The paint brushes that the painters use are made of the hair of domestic animals, a bunch of which is tied to the end of a bamboo stick. The figures are now painted with natural colors using the indigenous brushes. The outline is thickened with black color.

4. Painting is given a finishing

Finally, the painting is varnished/glazed to protect it from any damage and to get a glossy shine on the surface.

The making of a Pattachitra is laborious work and therefore, one painting may sometimes take over a month to complete. Due to their classical look, these paintings are admired by people from all over the world. The artistic skills used in Pattachitra are passed down from one generation to another and thus are preserved to date.