Lord Shiva In Samadhi

The quiet, gathered Lord Shiva is seated in eternal contemplation. His citta is consumed in nirbeeja samadhi, as could be gleaned from His composure of countenance. Zoom in on His beauteous face: the large eyes shut with introspection, the calm lotus-like stance of the full mouth. His jataas (dreadlocks), thick and black as they are, cascade down His broad shoulders. Signature kundalas flank His gentle, conch-esque neck.

A naga sits coiled round His collarbones. His ascetic’s body is smooth and white, glowing like the snow-coated peaks of His home in the Himalayas. Bits of fiery tigerskin constitute His clothing; a bunch of rudraksha and some amulets, His shringar. He is seated in the elusive padmasana on a tigerkin mat, with an arm resting on the danda to keep His spine in place. With the same hand He metes out a world of blessings for His devotees. Note the golden trishool and kamandalu that complete the Lord’s iconography.

An aureole of vivid scarlet fire frames His presence. Zoom in on the superbly done brushstrokes in varyings tints of orange and white, which give the flames a lifelike finish. The halo of the Lord seems to be the sooryadeva Himself, its arresting colour contrasting sharply against the black of the background.