Gangavataran - 02

This is a decorated oleograph of "Gangavataran" by Ravi Varma, from the 1930s. Gangavataran literally translates to 'The Descent of Ganga', and shows Lord Shiva in all his glory.
In Hindu mythology, Bhagiratha was the king of Kosala, a kingdom in ancient India. To absolve his ancestors of their sins, Bhagiratha performed a rigid penance, on being told that only the water from Ganga can purify their sins. Pleased with his determination, Lord Brahma granted him his wish and Ganga, on Brahma's orders, came gushing down, unaware of her power and surge. The gushing water threatened to destroy everything in it's path, and Brahma advised Bhagiratha to pray to Shiva for help. Lord Shiva came to the Earth's rescue by standing upright and directing Ganga's flow into his hair. Bhagiratha is seen standing to the right of Shiva in prayer, while Shiva's consort Parvati is on the left, leaning on Nandi, Shiva's vahana.
This oleograph has been beautifully decorated by the owner with fabric and sequins. This type of
decoration makes the picture one of a kind and more valuable. Ravi Varma's signature is on the bottom left. There are some water stains on the left and bottom of the artwork. There is also a small tear on the bottom right.