Mukhalinga Shiva | Mysore Traditional Painting | With Frame

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A Glimpse into the Divine

Immerse yourself in the rich artistic tradition of Mysore with this exquisite painting. Crafted with meticulous detail using watercolor and embellished with radiant 22 Karat gold foil work, this piece offers a unique and reverent depiction of Shiva. The painting measures 16.5 inches in height, 16.5 inches in width, and 2 inches in depth (including the frame), making it a striking addition to any home, office, or sacred space. Placed under Paintings > Folk Paintings > Mysore in our selection, each brushstroke speaks of devotion and artistic heritage.

The Essence of Shiva: Form and Formless

This folk painting is unique in its display of Shiva as both form and formless at the same time. The upper portion depicts the Mukhalinga which is a Shiva Linga with one or more faces carved into it. In this painting, Shiva is depicted with only one face. Below the face is a Shiva Linga in an almost abstract form. The Shiva Linga, the aniconic representation of Shiva, is a powerful symbol of creation and destruction, representing the ultimate reality beyond form and attribute. In the Hindu tradition, Shiva is not merely a deity but a cosmic force, the destroyer of illusion and the bringer of transformation. He is the ascetic yogi, immersed in meditation, and the dynamic dancer, Nataraja, whose cosmic dance sustains the universe. The Mukhalinga is a means of seeing the formless in a form that we can relate to.

Mysore Art: A Legacy of Splendor

The Mysore school of painting, renowned for its elegance, detail, and the lavish use of gold leaf, flourished under the patronage of the Mysore Wodeyar kings. The artists of this school, known as Chitrakaras, developed a distinctive style characterized by delicate lines, vibrant colors, and a meticulous adherence to traditional iconography. The use of 22 Karat gold foil is not merely decorative; it is integral to the spiritual significance of the work, imbuing the painting with a divine radiance. This practice echoes the tradition of adorning temple deities with precious metals, signifying their supreme status. The art tradition captures the essence of devotion in visual form. It is a form of meditation and prayer. This painting is more than just a decorative item; it is a piece of living tradition, connecting you to a rich cultural heritage and inviting the blessings of Shiva into your space. The use of gold adds not just a visual richness but also a spiritual aura to the painting.