When the little Gopala arrived at Vrindavan, He was adopted by Nanda-Yashoda as their very own. Krishna is veritably their child. In the Tanjore painting that you see on this page, He is depicted as a crawling baby, poised on a throne of inlaid gold. Nanda and Yashoda are on either side of Him; Mother Yashoda is offering Her baby a buttery sweetmeat.
Baala-Gopala (‘baala’ is Sanskrt for little boy) is naked but for the adornment on His body. In keeping with traditional Tanjore art, the same are executed in gold-layered gesso-work. The same embellishments are to be found in the saree and jewellery of His mother and the attire of His father. Inlaid with bits of jewel-coloured semi-precious stones, they give off an impression of sumptuousness. This is characteristic of Tanjore paintings.
A kadamba tree stands in the background, which is a Vaishnavite motif. Bowlfuls of offerings in the foreground. The delicate complexion of the infant Gopala’s body and the lifelike expression swimming in His eyes, make this a must-buy for any lover of devotional art.
A Divine Embrace: The Story of Yashoda and Krishna
This exquisite Tanjore painting captures a tender moment from the life of Lord Krishna, depicting the divine child nestled in the loving embrace of his foster mother, Yashoda. The artwork is a vibrant testament to the rich artistic heritage of South India, meticulously crafted using traditional techniques passed down through generations. The scene unfolds under a lush canopy of leaves, symbolizing the protective embrace of nature and the divine.
The Art of Tanjore Painting: A Legacy of Splendor
Tanjore paintings, originating from the Thanjavur region of Tamil Nadu, are renowned for their opulent beauty and intricate detail. These paintings are characterized by their use of vibrant, natural pigments, 24-karat gold, and semi-precious stones, creating a mesmerizing visual feast. The technique, developed during the Chola dynasty (9th-13th centuries CE), involved embedding precious stones and gold foil onto the canvas, resulting in a three-dimensional effect that adds to the painting's splendor. This particular piece showcases this timeless technique at its finest, each detail meticulously rendered, from the delicate folds of Yashoda's saree to the playful expression on Krishna's face.
Yashoda and Krishna: A Mother's Love in Mythology
The central figures of this painting, Yashoda and Krishna, are central figures in Hindu mythology. Yashoda, the foster mother of Krishna, is celebrated for her unwavering love and devotion to the child god. She is depicted as a symbol of maternal love, nurturing and caring for Krishna, who was believed to be an incarnation of Vishnu. Numerous tales narrate her constant struggle to keep a close eye on the mischievous, yet divine, Krishna, reflecting the challenges and overwhelming joys of motherhood in the most beautiful way. The painting beautifully captures the essence of this sacred bond, a scene that resonates with millions of devotees. The details around Krishna, such as the flowers and the presence of Yashoda, indicate the tenderness of her love and her devout care towards him.