The Goddess Saraswati, Patron of Knowledge and Arts Saraswati is among the important gods and goddesses Hinduism. Known as the goddess of knowledge, wisdom, learning, speech, music, and art, it’s not surprising that Saraswati is not only important, but is much venerated and has many devotees. The name Saraswati comes from the combination of the Sanskrit words saras, which can mean “pooling water” and can also be interpreted as meaning “speech”, and the word vati, which means “she who possesses”. Her name, therefore, has two literal translations. It can mean “she who has pooling water” or “she who possess speech”. Fittingly, the goddess Saraswati was originally associated with an ancient river that was also called Saraswati. In the Vedas, the river Saraswati was not only mentioned far more often than any other significant body of water but it was also the most revered. With regard to Saraswati as “she who possesses speech”, it is said that Saraswati is the inventor of the Sanskrit language.

The Timeless Style of the Salwar Kameez Indian fashion is not just all about beautiful and colorful saris. While it may be among the most widely known garments with Indian origins, there are other significant forms of clothing and styles in Indian fashion. The Salwar Kameez is one of these. A traditional outfit that hails from the Indian sub-continent, the Salwar Kameez is comprised of a tunic that’s worn with a pair of trousers. Salwar or shalwar refers to the trousers, while Kameez refers to the short or long tunic. The history of the Salwar Kameez can be traced back to the Mughal era. The style of dressing is believed to have been first introduced in South Asia upon the arrival of the Muslims. First worn by Muslims, the Salwar Kameez soon became widely popular and worn throughout the region. During this period, the most famous style of the Salwar Kameez that was worn was known as the Anarkali suit. The Salwar Kameez in the form of the Anarkali suit was considered to be one of the most opulent and lavish garments of that time. Today, use the Salwar Kameez is especially prevalent among Punjabi women and is, in fact, known as the Punjabi suit.

The Enduring Art of Pattachitra India is a country rich in art and culture. Among the most unique, exquisite, and intricate forms of art is the Pattachitra. The name of this art form comes from the Sanskrit word patta, which means “cloth” and chitra, meaning “picture”. As the name describes, Pattachitra refers to art in the form of pictures or paintings illustrated on cloth. Considered as one of the oldest art forms that still exists to this day, Pattachitra is believed to have originated from as early as the twelfth century. The traditional art form is popular and practiced predominantly in the Indian states of Odisha and West Bengal. Those who create Pattachitra paintings are known as chitrakars. Pattachitras were originally produced for use in rituals, as visual accompaniments during the performance of songs, and as mementos for temple pilgrims. They commonly depict icons from Hindu tradition, religious stories, mythological narratives, especially those inspired by the Lord Jagannath and the Vaishnava sect in Hinduism, as well as folktales. Some of the most popular themes that are brought to life through the cloth paintings include temple activities, Dasabatara Pati which is Lord Vishnu’s ten incarnations, Panchamukhi which is an image of Lord Ganesh as a deity with five heads, Badhia which refers to the representation of the Jagannath temple, Krishna Lila which shows Lord Krishna wielding his powers as a child, as well as the Ramayana and Mahabharata, just to mention a few.

The purpose behind Idol Worship in Hinduism “kleśo ‘dhikataras teshām avyaktāsakta-cetasām avyaktāhi gatir duhkham dehavadbhir avāpyate” Severe is the path of those whose minds are set on the Unmanifest, for the goal of the Unmanifest is painful to reach by the embodied beings. – Bhagavad Geeta Chapter 12, V. 5 In this verse, Bhagwan says that it is very difficult for an embodied being like you and me to worship him in his unmanifest form. The realized person, the sthitaprajna sees Divinity or God in every being, human or animal, the animate or the inanimate. But for ordinary people like you and me, it is easier to focus our thoughts and devotion on something visible, be it a stone, wood or clay. The shape and size of the statue does not matter. Even a picture if you look at it day after day with love and devotion, you will build an unseen bond with the object of your devotion and that regular Abhyasa (practice) will finally make you aware of The Divinity within you.

Skanda – The War God Son of Shiva Also known as Kumara, Subrahmanya, and Murukan, Skanda “has been hunter, warrior, philosopher… He is teacher… He is the eternal child as old as time itself”. Obeyesekere writes that Skanda is viewed as possessed of having six faces, twelve arms, and riding a peacock. Throughout Skanda’s history, he has been worshipped for several different reasons. He has been worshipped “as a god of hill and hunt… and avenger of ananku and cur, malevolent spirits of the hills”. During the Cankami period of Tamil India “Murukan was known … as the lord of the hunt”. According to Clothey, he has also been worshiped in South India as the son of Siva. Through this several other deities related to vegetation and hunting embodied the name Murukan. Clothey also writes that the name Murukan has become commercialized with an array of different industries using his name, for songs and films.

Prevalent in ancient and contemporary art alike, marble artworks have a prominent place in many major art movements and are among some of the most famous sculptures in the world. For millennia, artists have opted for marble, a metamorphic rock, due to its soft, easy-to-carve composition and the translucence of its surface. In ancient Mesopotamia, marble was used to create crude models of animals (both naturalistic and anthropomorphic) and figures, though other mediums like limestone, diorite, and terra-cotta were used more frequently. Similarly, ancient Egyptians artistically employed a wide variety of stone. While limestone and granite were their mediums of choice, they occasionally used marble to craft figures of pharaohs, gods, and guardians for temples and tombs. Like the Mesopotamian figures that came before, these pieces are primitive in design, showcasing flat and stylized silhouettes rather than realistic forms or lifelike details. During Ancient Greece's Archaic Period of art (8th century-500 BCE), artists began to show increasing interests in marble. Though rendered with more realism than sculptures from preceding periods, marble figures from this time are not yet naturalistic, as their expressions remain relatively stoic and their poses convey little movement.

Jamdani is a vividly patterned, sheer cotton fabric, traditionally woven on a handloom by craftspeople and apprentices around Dhaka. Jamdani textiles combine intricacy of design with muted or vibrant colours, and the finished garments are highly breathable. Jamdani is a time-consuming and labour-intensive form of weaving because of the richness of its motifs, which are created directly on the loom using the discontinuous weft technique. Weaving is thriving today due to the fabric’s popularity for making saris, the principal dress of Bengali women at home and abroad. The Jamdani sari is a symbol of identity, dignity and self-recognition and provides wearers with a sense of cultural identity and social cohesion. The weavers develop an occupational identity and take great pride in their heritage; they enjoy social recognition and are highly respected for their skills. A few master weavers are recognized as bearers of the traditional Jamdani motifs and weaving techniques, and transmit the knowledge and skills to disciples. However, Jamdani weaving is principally transmitted by parents to children in home workshops. Weavers – together with spinners, dyers, loom-dressers and practitioners of a number of other supporting crafts – form a closely knit community with a strong sense of unity, identity and continuity.

The Hindu deity Krishna is a highly regarded and popular god in Hinduism, known to hold the title of svayam bhagavam (The Supreme Personality of Godhead). The myths of Krishna are displayed in several Hindu texts, primarily in the Bhagavad-Gita, where he epitomizes the ideals of both karma and dharma. The myths depicting Krishna and his adoptive mother Yasoda elaborate on these karmic and dharmic ideals by showing Krishna as the quintessential son and Yasoda in the image of the perfect mother. In the Bhagavad-Gita, Krishna “performs actions without attachment, and so persons should do the same. He also cautions against indecisiveness and inaction, which is a form of ‘doing’ and carries with it karmic consequences”. The immense popularity of Krishna’s image in Hinduism has been attributed to his accessibility, compared to other gods who are typically depicted as isolated and inaccessible. Through his many myths, Krishna is seen as an ideal infant, child, and adolescent, one who gains much devotion from those who encounter him.

Buddhism and the Middle Way to Nirvana Originating in India two thousand years ago, Buddhism is one of the world’s oldest religions. With approximately four hundred seventy million Buddhists, it is also one of the largest religions in the world. Buddhism first began with Siddhartha Gautama, who is considered to be its founder. A former prince who evolved into a spiritual leader, he was born Siddhartha Gautama and died Gautama Buddha or Lord Buddha, which means “enlightened”. His revelations and teachings became the very foundation of Buddhism. After his death, Buddha’s followers continued to spread his teachings and developed a religious movement that would spread throughout the world, especially across East and Southeast Asia. A great turning point came when, in the third century BCE, the Indian emperor Ashoka the Great established Buddhism as India’s state religion. This paved the way for monasteries to be built across the nation and encouraged missionary work for the teachings of Buddhism to be further proclaimed.

The Four Vedas: Sacred Scriptures of Hinduism The Vedas are ancient Hindu text that are considered to be the most holy scriptures. One could say that the Vedas to Hindus is akin to what the Bible is to Christians. The sacred scriptures found in the Vedas are considered to define the truth for Hinduism. The word Veda itself is Sanskrit for “knowledge” or “wisdom”. While no one can say precisely when the Vedas were composed, most scholars accept that the Vedas originate from somewhere between 1500-1200 BCE, making them the oldest text of the Hindu religion. These sacred scriptures are said to have been introduced to India by the Aryans. Being truly sacred, Hindus believe that god himself imparted the Vedas to scholars. As such, Hindus think of the Vedas as being apauruseya or in other words, “not of man but supernatural”. The scholars then passed on the holy words of god. For many centuries, the sacred scriptures were entirely passed on and spread to Hindu believers by word of mouth.

Lord Krishna, is a supreme god that has made a special place in the hearts of his devotees, has made a majestic impression on mankind by teaching us about Dharma to enlightening us by revealing the realities of life. A reincarnation of Lord Vishu, Krishna came in as a savior of mother Earth from the sins of evil rulers in the world. Born in Mathura, Krishna is Krishna is the divinity of affection, kindness, and compassion. From playing the role of a child, a brother, warrior a guru, as well as a beloved companion of Gopis, Lord Krishna remained aware of the fact that these were just roles and his consciousness is far beyond the worldly attachments, thus was able to experience life to the fullest while remaining detached. 

In our Shastras it has been mentioned that there are twelve forms of the Sun known as Adityas and they represent the twelve months in the calendar and twelve aspects of the Golden Deity Sun. As they are 12 in counting, they are referred as Dvadashadityas. Adityas are basically the monthly Suns which is an ancient word for earth moon barycentre for lunar month. In the Rigveda, the Adityas are the sons of Aditi, and Varuna is the first among them who is a Demigod associated with sky initially. He is the son of Kashyap (One of seven ancient sages). Here, Varuna looks like Vishnu, seated on a blooming divine lotus while postured in Padmasana. He has a transcendental blue body adorned in ravishing garments and auspicious ornaments with a stunning Gold Crown placed over the head and behind it the smashing and large round-shaped aureole is adding a spark to complete display. He holds two full bloom lotuses, one rope and posing an Abhaya mudra from his lower right hand. He has put on a green patka bordered with illustrative golden outlining. His mesmerizing hair and lotus eyes are all attractive features. Adding a highlight to the composition, the metallic chatra (umbrella) over his head is topped with a flag which is just an adorable part of the whole composition and it indicates respect for Varuna.

Current is the trend of sober and elegant style, as it is the best way to enhance your personality and inner beauty. This salwar kameez is the perfect fit in the contemporary women fashion era. Woven out of a pure cotton fabric, which makes it best for summers. The soft and comfortable cloth makes the wearer to be in an ease while garbed in this suit. The self-textured green fabric gives a sense of soothe and cool look. The kurti has a good round neck shape with a floral embroidered thin neckline in a contrasting pink shade and a similar embroidered flower patchwork at the bottom. Pink colored embroidery on this tree-green fabric creates a beautiful contrast allowing to be one of the primary picks by fashionistas. Having a similar shade ankle length trouser gives a slim and trendy look. The trouser is woven with a perfect round hem line. Well to justify with the beauty of a simple and subtle suit, dupatta plays a major role. This suit is combined with a contrasting multicolored cotton dupatta, having printed geometric patterns in a light color palette. The green border of this dupatta matches with the kurti and trouser. Pair up this suit with ethnic danglers, a bracelet ad you will be all set to go with. 

Lord Rama, the king of Ayodhya and the most dignified man is carved here in a single piece of white marble reflecting his most beauteous expressions, his divine aura and the delicacy of his personality. Red smiling lips and the heavenly eyes reflect his innate peace and tranquillity. Vaishnava tilak adorned on Rama’s lavish crowned head symbolizes him being a cosmic incarnation of Lord Vishnu and a part of Dashavatara. Lord Rama is worshipped for being an embodiment of truth, an ideal son, ideal husband and an ideal king. He defeated the demon Ravana, hence symbolizing the victory of good over evil.He stands here on a stone pedestal with the right hand held high in a blessing of fearlessness to his devotees and the left hand holds Rama’s iconic weapon, bow having its arrows hung behind his right shoulder. It seems by looking at this sculpture, that sculptor has carved the exact image of lord Rama by his beautiful imagination and incompared skills of perfection. Lord Rama was enriched with the highest values of perfection and idealness. The infinite beauty and perfection of this Rama statue highlight the painstaking time taken by the sculptor to create such a masterpiece. Lord Rama is richly embellished in gold jewels all over his body and is garbed in a beautiful sunflower yellow dhoti enwrapped with a peach-coloured kamarband and a contrasting long green stole. The interplay of bright colors and the designer stone-studded accessories highlight the royalty and cosmic essence of lord Rama. As you place this Rama marble statue in your temple, its beauty and purity will catch your attention and generate an essence of happy vibes. 

The idea that all things are transient is central to Buddhist teaching. Loss and impermanence are things to be accepted rather than causes of grief. The Buddha’s Parinirvana was a moment of great triumph as well as sorrow, for it marked the Buddha’s release from the cycle of rebirth. This wood statue of Buddha depicts the Parinirvana in a highly abbreviated, almost emblematic fashion. The enlightened one, reclining on a rectangular base with turned or carved legs, fills the foreground with his halo headrest on his right hand and his left hand is covered by his robe. 

The filigree kettle, raised from copper, is in the form of a compressed globe. From lid to base and spout to handle the kettle is incised in late 19th filigree work. The filigree kettle is soldered together and the sphere surface of the kettle is arranged in artistic motifs. It is pleated in beautiful wreathed elements and the rim around the kettle is engraved in colored stones. The removable top work is gilded in vine patterns and gemstones making it an evident showpiece. The filigree kettle with gemstone work truly challenges the notion of the way Nepalese kettles look and function. 

Buddha is revered as an extraordinary man by the people in Tibet, who attained enlightenment and taught the four noble truths and the eight-fold paths of life to his disciples. This large size marble sculpture of Lord Buddha is carved in extreme finesse with each of his features realistically highlighted. He sits here in a lotus posture on a beautifully carved floral pedestal. Notice the superfine patterns of his plinth adding to the divine beauty of Lord Buddha. As we know that every Buddhist mudra has individual importance of its own and every mudra has a meaning to say. The one carved in this marble sculpture has the left hand on Buddha’s laps with the thumb and index finger touching each other facing upwards and the right hand is held high in vitarka mudra with the circle formed, symbolizing the transmission of dharma and the teachings of truth.Apart from its beauteous iconographic carvings, another exciting aspect is the wonderful display of the contrast of black and white colors. Having the deity being carved in a glossy black shade and is clothed elegantly in a pleated white robe. Having this large Buddha stone statue in your office or hotel entry points will not just be an attraction for the visitors but also accentuate an aura of divinity and calmness.

The Nagas live predominantly in the North-Eastern state of Nagaland and along the borders of neighboring Burma. The worth of a jewel is in the story that it tells. This Naga Pendant that we have got for you certainly has one!Handcrafted in the legacy naga style, this Shell pendant is a symbol of protection. It is supposed to ward off evil and grant eternal love to the wearer. It's a piece of delightfully tribal art brought back to life.This artistic piece of antique jewelry makes for an elegant complement to your apparel wardrobe.It comes with a Sterling Silver chain in three different sizes.

Vengai wood of Lord Ganesha playing the drum is unusual from its many forms.  Vengai wood is revered in South Asia because it is known as God's wood. Ganesha is enjoying the cadence of the drum instead of sitting in lalitasana. Take note of the gleaming effect and shiny finish of Vengai. Juniper green and amber-orange polishing elevate the tonality of Ganesha statue. This handcrafted wood Ganesha would look lovely in the foyer of your home or music institution.

Love is the essence of bhakti, and to love and to be loved is the core nature of every living entity. Krishna, the Supreme Lord, is the source of all the emotions and pleasures in this entire universe. This Tanjore painting portrays the unconditional love between Lord Krishna and His internal potency Srimati Radharani who are beyond the three modes of material nature. Their bond is not mundane which if always flinching and unreal, but is formed of pure devotion and is completely situated in the spiritual platform which is the eternal truth. Just as heat cannot be separated from fire, Radharani and Krishna cannot be separated from each other.