The life of Lord Krishna has inspired generations of painters and sculptors. The temple town of Puri in the state of Orissa is especially known for its Vaishnava fervour. With Lord Krishna being the most charming one of the dashavatara - the ten earthly incarnations of Lord Vishnu - His leela (the ihalokiya conduct of paralokiya entities) is a popular subject of the art produced by local artisans. The pattachitra that you see on this page is a fine example of the folk art of Orissa.
A wide, rectangular stretch of patti is divided into multiple square panels of varying sizes (patti is the vernacular word for the fabric-based canvas on which these chitras or images are painted, which explains the terms pattachitra). Six relatively large panels of equal dimensions depict the most popular aspect of His leela ie His amorous relationships with the milkmaids of Vrindavan and especially Radha who was His favourite. Note the predominance of dense, emerald-coloured forests, indicative of the fact that these rendezvous took place in the heart of the region’s evergreen forests.
A column of four panels each on either side of this six-panel composite, which in turn is surrounded by many, smaller panels. It is best to zoom in on each of the panels in this composite painting, in order to take in the gorgeous colours and the superb detailing of each.
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