Sri Ranganatha Swamy, revered in the Tamil Vaishnava Bhakti tradition as "Nam Perumal" (Our Lord) and "Azahagiya Maanavalan" (beautiful groom), is the Lord of Srirangam, one of the most powerful Tirtha (pilgrimage place) in Hindu and Vaishnava Bhakti. Iconographical depiction of roopa of the Lord, associated with particular Tirtha Sthala is one of the themes of traditional Tanjore paintings, which present the potent forms of the divine in portable forms, to be worshipped in the Puja ghar of the devotees.
This four feet large painting brings to your space the powers of Sri Vishnu at the moment of creation, as the source of all life and as the protector of Srishti, in an enchantingly exquisite idiom of Thanjavur. A large gold-wreathed Mandapa, ornamented with tiny gems forms the sacred space for Sri Ranganatha Swamy to appear.
Regal architecture with Yalis, Makara, and Kirtimukha icons inspired by the south Indian temples is beautifully employed by the Thanjavur artists to provide Sri Ranganatha with a befitting backdrop. On the bed of Shesha naag's coils, accompanied by his divine wives- Sri Lakshmi and Bhudevi, and Lord Brahma enthroned on a lotus emerging from his navel, a blue-skinned Lord Vishnu attired entirely in gold shines like the Sun in the center of the cosmos.
In the lower half of the Tanjore artwork, Sri Vishnu in his Chaturbhuja form, in Sampada-sthanaka posture (standing upright) with Lakshmi and Bhudevi flanking him fills the space with a heavenliness. Jaya and Vijaya, the gatekeepers of Vishnu's celestial abode accompany the trio, guarding the sacred arena attentively.
Below these icons, the Dashavatara, or ten incarnations of Vishnu are presented, along with the icons of Baal-Krishna and Venugopala on each side. Sri Rama and Dhanavantari appear in their shrines on the beautiful blue horizon. Two interesting elements, a well, and a Tulsi plant, auspicious and ritually vital in the local worship patterns of India, are also added to the space, highlighting the folk belief's union with Hinduism.
The level of individual attention to each divine form in this Thanjavur artwork is beyond comprehension. Enlivened eyes, animated forms, and regal ornamentation lend all the icons a mesmeric allure. The lotus eyes of Sri Ranganatha gaze into the heart of the onlooker with a heavenly pull, which is a unique quality of Tanjore imagery. Outlined by a dark, monotone teakwood frame, having this aesthetically appealing Tanjore painting in your Puja ghar bestows upon you the opportunity of darshana (ritually seeing) Ranganatha Swamy and experiencing his grace in your home.
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