Oils on Canvas

"Bhavajaladhi naava"

24"/20"

the seeker's prayer in Goula ragam to Vighneshvara before starting the journey in search of the absolute truth 

Depiction of Muthuswami Deekshitar’s kamalamba navavarna  kritis each describing the successive level of attainment on the path  of seeking the “Absolute Truth”.

”Gatamayika”

(Oil on canvas -20”/24”)

Devi kamalamba is described in the prayer kriti (in todi ragam) as the one who has transcended the illusion. While commencing the path to Absolute Truth, the seeker prays & takes her blessings. 

Depiction of Muthuswami Deekshitar’s kamalamba navavarna kritis each describing the successive level of attainment on the path of seeking the “Absolute Truth”.

“Nigama samvedini”

(Oil on canvas –18”/24”)

Devi kamalamba is described as the ultimate truth revealed in vedas. Based on the first avarana kriti (anandabhairavi ragam) which describes the trilokya mohana chakra.

Depiction of Muthuswami Deekshitar’s kamalamba navavarna  kritis each describing the successive level of attainment on the path  of seeking the “Absolute Truth”.

“Nirvisesha chaitanya rooponi”

(Oil on canvas –43”/33”)

Devi kamalamba is described as the embodiment of unqualified consciousness. Based on the 2ndavarna kriti (kalyani ragam) which describes the sarvasa paripooraka chakra

Depiction of Muthuswami Deekshitar’s kamalamba navavarna  kritis each describing the successive level of attainment on the path  of seeking the “Absolute Truth”..

“Sacchidananda paripoorna brahmasmi”

(Oil on canvas -39”/39”)

This is the stage at which Muthuswami deekshitar sees the devi in his own soul and says ‘I am the conscious, blissful and complete Brahman’. Based on 3rd avarna kriti (shankarabharana ragam) which describes the samkshobhana chakra.

Depiction of Muthuswami Deekshitar’s kamalamba navavarna  kritis each describing the successive level of attainment on the path  of seeking the “Absolute Truth”..

“Chidaananda poornaghana”

(Oil on canvas -30"/20")

Devi Kamalaamba, the creator of both moving and non-moving objects ensures the order and balance in the entire cosmos. She is the ‘lustrous compact of the ultimate spiritual wisdom’. Based on the 4th avarana kriti (kaambhoji ragam) which describes the sarvasaubhagyadaayaka chakra.

Depiction of Muthuswami Deekshitar’s kamalamba navavarna  kritis each describing the successive level of attainment on the path  of seeking the “Absolute Truth”.

“Paramadvaita sphoorti”

(Oil on canvas – 18”/24”)

Devi is described as the one who manifests the supreme eternal, pure, enlightened and free self, who is the supreme non dual Brahman, characterized by existence consciousness and bliss. Based on 5thavarna kriti (bhairavi ragam) which describes sarvaartha saadhaka chakra. 

Depiction of Muthuswami Deekshitar’s kamalamba navavarna kritis each describing the successive level of attainment on the path of seeking the “Absolute Truth”.

“Dasakalaatmaka vahnisvaroopa”

(Oil on canvas – 18” /24”)

The effulgence of Devi, the Parabrahman is like the light of ten-fold fire which illuminates the mind, manifests in the ten groups of alphabets of the varnamaala and propitiated by ten mudras while she delights in soulful music. Based on 6th avarna kriti (punnagavarali ragam) which describes sarvarakshakara chakra.

Depiction of Muthuswami Deekshitar’s kamalamba navavarna kritis each describing the successive level of attainment on the path of seeking the “Absolute Truth”.

“Swatmanu bhogini”

(Oil on canvas – 18”/24”)

Devi is described as the one who rejoices in the highest bliss of her own self which transcends the three bodies, gross, subtle and causal. Based on 7th avarna kriti (sahana ragam) which describes sarvarogahara chakram.

Depiction of Muthuswami Deekshitar’s kamalamba navavarna kritis each describing the successive level of attainment on the path of seeking the “Absolute Truth”.

“Mukti kavaata dvaaram”

(Oil on canvas – 20/”24”)

Devi, the Parabrahman herself guides us on the path to liberation at this stage (mukti ghantamanighoshaayamaanakavaata dvaaram) and she is the eternal flow of uninterrupted bliss. Based on 8th avarna kriti (ghanta ragam) which describes sarvasiddhiprada chakra.

Depiction of Muthuswami Deekshitar’s kamalamba navavarna kritis each describing the successive level of attainment on the path of seeking the “Absolute Truth”.

“Brahmamaya prakaasini”

(Oil on canvas -18”/24”)

Devi is described as the embodiment of the light which is Parabrahman. She demonstrates the art of divine love in all its ramifications and artistry and reveals the insight into perfect identity. Based on 9th avarna kriti (ahiri ragam) which describes sarvanandamaya chakra. 

Depiction of Muthuswami Deekshitar’s kamalamba navavarna kritis each describing the successive level of attainment on the path of seeking the “Absolute Truth”.

“Ekakshri”

(Oil on canvas -20”/16”)

Omkaram the primordial sound of Brahman inheres in the devi. Based on the mangala kriti following the kamalamba navavarna kritis.

vedantartha bodha chatura  

(Oil on canvas – 20”/16”)

Inspired by the composition Balasubrahmanyam bhaje (Surati ragam). Describes a Guru as the one who guides us on our chosen path to salvation.

 Paramatma

 when breath goes through a flute and comes out as a melody it merges with Paramaatma whom we worship in the form of Shri Krishna 

Mother Sarasvati grants the flow of creativity which sustains learning and wisdom blooms. In the radiance of this wisdom she reveals herself to the seeker as the essence of all learning 

After his morning prayer the monk opened the monastery door. The sunlight pours in to dispel darkness like knowledge dispels ignorance 

Vishvadharam

Vishnu in the form of Raama -the virtuous showed how to live by the right ideals viz., compassion, respect for commitment and clear conscience the right values every human should possess

 Taandavam  

the cosmic dance of Shiva representsthe manifestation of primal rhythmic energy 

as the girl enjoys playing in the muddy water after the rain her younger brother slipped out of his mother's arms to join her in the fun

(Oils on canvas - 18”/18”)

The thunder storm was to make sure no one heard the first cry of Krishna. River Yamuna in full spate made way for a safe passage and Vaasuki the serpent protected the baby from the heavy downpour while his father shifted him to a safe place where he would be nurtured with lot of love and care while growing up to lead the people out of their misery, without being noticed by the Kamsa who was set to eliminate everyone who challenged his evil doings. From the life and teachings of Shri Krishna

(Oils on canvas – 18”/18”)

One of Krishna’s important teachings is that food is given to us by mother nature and we can share it with each other but not consider ourselves as absolute owners when we are in possession of it. From life teachings of Shri Krishna 

(oils on canvas -18”/18”)

Krishna inspired people around him to unite, take charge and protect themselves as well as the vulnerable around us. From life and teachings of Shri Krishna

(Oils on canvas - 18”/18”)

Krishna showed that punishment is to reform a person or a being so that they start following the order of nature willingly. From the life and teachings of Shri Krishna

(Oils on canvas – 36"/30")

one of the activities seen in an earlier era at the daybreak in a village

(oils on canvas -36"/30"”)

that one moment when lightning strikes illuminates our surroundings and helps us in our efforts while we tide over the storm 

(Oils on canvas - 36"/24")

the eternal, one without form, variation of Om the primordial sound - the seed force that evolves as the universe 

(Oils on canvas – 30"/36")