Kartikeya (Murugan)

This is a beautiful Thanjavur reverse glass painting in soft muted colours featuring Kartikeya (Murugan) with his consorts. Kartikeya is the god of war. He is the son of Parvati and Shiva, brother of Ganesha, and particularly popular and predominantly worshipped in South India. Kartikeya sits on a throne that rests on the outstretched wings of his peacock vahanna. Tucked into his belt is the spear, the weapon usually associated with him. In his upper hand he holds weapons, and the open palm of the lower right hand symbolises abhaya mudra (fear not) while the lower left varadamudra signifies ‘offering, welcome, charity, giving, compassion and sincerity’. He also wears a crown, numerous necklaces, bracelets, anklets and is adorned with a flower garland. Kartikeya is shown seated on a lotus, a symbol of divine perfection. On either side of him are his consorts Devayani (Devasena) and Valli. Above him is the stylistically rendered peacock tail that frames them. The peacock stands with its talons on a cobra, which some say symbolises the ego. To the left of the snake with tiger feet is the sage Vyaghrapada, to the right with a snake’s body is the sage Patanjali. Beside them are devotees, two of who are flag bearers.