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Ascetics before the Shrine of the Goddess, page from a dispersed series of the... early 19th cent. Creator: Unknown
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Ascetics before the Shrine of the Goddess, page from a dispersed series of the... early 19th cent. Creator: Unknown
Ascetics before the Shrine of the Goddess, page from a dispersed series of the Kedara Kalpa, early 19th century. The five pilgrims are shown engaged in three different activities, following the continuous mode of visual narration that has remained a favourite of Indian artists for over two millennia. In the foreground, they bathe in a river; having cleansed their bodies, they pay obeisance to the goddess in the temple; finally, they sit in a group below a flowering tree, and in the warmth of an improvised fire, they say their prayers. Each ascetic, called "sadhaka" (devotee) or "siddha" (empowered) in the text has a distinctive physiognomy, rendered with convincing naturalism. Realistic touches are also evident in the manner in which the garments and rosaries are strewn on the ground and in the depiction of the fire, indicative of intense cold at the isolated shrine high in the mountains
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Media ID 36367852
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This image is a page from an early 19th century series of prints known as the Kedara Kalpa, showcasing the devotional journey of five ascetics before the Shrine of the Goddess. The continuous visual narrative, a favorite of Indian artists for over two millennia, unfolds the ascetics' pilgrimage in three distinct scenes. In the foreground, the ascetics, or sadhakas and siddhas, are seen bathing in a pristine river, symbolizing the purification of their bodies and souls. The naturalism of their physiognomies is evident, adding authenticity to their devotional fervor. Next, the ascetics pay obeisance to the goddess in the temple, their hands folded in reverence. The intricate temple architecture and the goddess' divine presence are depicted with exquisite detail, emphasizing the spiritual significance of their visit. The final scene shows the ascetics sitting in a group beneath a flowering tree, their faces focused on the warmth of an improvised fire. They recite their prayers, seeking spiritual enlightenment and empowerment. The realistic touches, such as the garments and rosaries strewn on the ground and the depiction of the fire, add depth to the image and convey the intense cold at the isolated shrine high in the mountains. The identity of the creator of this stunning series remains unknown, but their mastery of naturalism and the continuous visual narrative is a testament to the rich artistic heritage of India.
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