Blessings of Balaji-Patachitra

Dimensions : 7 x 5 Inches

This handmade painting on stitched palm leaves is a unique illustration of the exquisite folk art of Talapatachitra. Etched skillfully on the palm leaf canvas is the portrait of Lord Venkateswar Swami Balaji. Lord Venkateswar is the presiding deity of Tirumala Hills in Andhra Pradesh, India. He is one of the manifestations of Lord Vishnu, the second God of the Hindu Trinity. According to legends, the sage Narada had requested Lord Vishnu to settle in Tirumala and shower his eternal blessings on the people of Tirumala.

On his request, Lord Vishnu reincarnated as Lord Venkateswar. Tirumala, the seat of Lord Venkateswar is surrounded by seven hills, thus He is also known as Lord of the seven hills. The legend pertaining to the manifestation of Lord Venkateshwar can be found in various Puranas; Venkatachala Mahatmya and the Varaha Purana being of particular interest. Following the traditional religious themes of the School of Patachitra, this painting, too, dwells on an Indian Deity and uses colors and artistry aptly. The soothing and elegant use of colors and detailed delineation of the divine figure is noteworthy. Abundant use of the golden yellow adds to the richness and dignity of the image. While elaborate details are observed in ornamenting the dark-tanned bejeweled figure of the deity, the margins of this handicraft have been kept to simple lines.