Venugopala - 02

This is a stunning Thanjavur reverse glass painting of Venugopala (Krishna). Krishna is the god of compassion, tenderness, and love, and is one of the most popular and widely revered among Indian divinities. The Sanskrit word venu means ‘flute’ and gopala means ‘cow protector’ and also ‘protector of the world’. The painting depicts Krishna as a young man out grazing his cows and enchanting the cowherd maidens (Gopinis) with the divine sound of his flute, attracting even Kamadeva (the Hindu god of love and passion). On either side of Krishna are two beautiful gopis or attendants waving chamaras (fans). Krishna is shown standing on a lotus, a symbol of divine perfection. He wears a shawl around his shoulders and holds the flute in his hands. His hair is tied in the characteristic topknot and decorated with a headpiece. A cow has wrapped himself around Krishna’s legs, and is licking his right foot. Flanking them is a larger herd of cows, depicted in a style usually seen in pichwai paintings. Above Krishna is a multi-headed, protective cobra and two parakeets in a golden tree.