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Offering
flowers at the Kanaka Durga temple
17
x 21.5", acrylic on silk
"This painting
is dedicated to my friend Janakichari, an artist settled
in America, who got me interested in Teluga culture and way of life.
The
Kanaka Durga temple is located atop the Indrakila hills in
Vijayawada in Andhra. Overlooking the Krishna River, this temple
worships goddess Kanaka Durga. It is believed that Adi Shankara
himself installed the Sri Chakra here. During the 10-day festival of
the Vijayadashami the goddess is decorated and carried on a
swan-shaped boat in the Krishna waters. This event is known as the
Nauka Viharam and thousands of devotees gather on the banks of the
Krishna to watch this annual ritual.
The
painting depicts a devotee with flowers for Durga and a swan in the
background. I like to believe that each of us have one such swan to
carry us through our spiritual journey to mother Kanaka Durga."
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