Radha's Exuberance in Response to Krishna's Melody

A halo frames Krishna's face which is further adorned with a high crown. He wears a garland of fresh flowers which swings to one side as if gyrating to the rhythms of his flute. Lord Krishna radiates an inward looking expression. A prodigious amount of jewelry, including thick bangles and armlets, ornaments his body. The lips are sensuous and kiss his flute creating music in the process. Typically, his left leg is crossed in front of the right as is most often the case when Krishna is shown fluting. A clinging dhoti held together by an elaborate waistband reaches down his ankles. Bejeweled tassels cascade down the dhoti.

Radharani's face, uplifted in joy, is rounder than Krishna's and hence more child-like in appearance. In addition to a collar choker enclosing her short neck a longer necklace falls down. Her lower drape is a dhoti like Krishna's.

Radha's right hand, in response to Krishna's melody, is raised in an exuberant gesture gleaned from the repertoire of classical Indian dance. The left hand simultaneously upholds a pot, filled with delicious butter made from cow's milk. Unlike Krishna she is uncrowned and her hair is symmetrically arranged with a rift in between.

This sculpture was carved in the small town of Thammampatti, district Salem, in the state of Tamil Nadu. The artist is Shri P. Sengottuvel.