SARASWATI TANJORE PAINTINGS

Devi's knowledge is portrayed by the deity of wisdom and the arts, Saraswati. She is the dawn-goddess whose light banishes the shade of ignorance; she is the stream of enlightenment that sustains life in the cosmos. There is merely mayhem and uncertainty sans her. Her existence can  be discovered by moving past the delights of the senses and savoring the tranquility of the spirit. Saraswati isn't adorned in jewelry or brightly colored makeup. She wears a white sari to signify her intrinsic purity and rejection of everything frivolous and worldly. Books, pencils, all creative supplies, and musical instruments are offered in worship to the enlightened goddess of knowledge. Schools and libraries serve as her shrines. Saraswati also plays the veena, a stringed instrument, to create the symphony of life and affection. She rides on a white swan, portraying Sattwa Guna. The consort of Manjushri, Saraswati is also an iconic figure in Buddhist mythology. In one of her hands, the goddess Saraswati is holding a book. It symbolizes that she is the embodiment of factual logic. On the other hand, a crystal bead symbolizes the power of devotion and mindfulness. Veena, a musical instrument, denotes her competence in a multitude of artistic mediums. The pot of holy water in the fourth hand represents the innovative and purging qualities.

Saraswati’s Blessings

The goddess Saraswati was originally the incarnation of the river itself to the individuals who resided along her shores. Saraswati lost her role as a river goddess and grew to be more closely associated with education, the arts, and music when its waters started to dwindle and the Harappa villages migrated eastward towards the enormous Indus Valley. She flourished further over the centuries, coming to symbolize the ideas of knowledge, awareness, intellect, innovation, schooling, enlightenment, and authority. Her significance in the founding of a free civilisation that has survived for thousands of years can be inferred from her manifestation of everything that is sophisticated and artistic. People who are knowledgeable and spiritually aware worship the Goddess of knowledge, boundless information and intelligence, Saraswati diligently. They believe that Saraswati alone has the power to grant moksha, the highest level of spiritual emancipation. Since Saraswati is recognized as the goddess of knowledge and enlightenment, it is customary to start new studies on her birthday. On this day, kids also start receiving official instruction in reading and writing. Students pray to the Devi before exams since it is thought that she will favor those who indulge in intellectual pursuits. In an effort to evoke her benevolent blessings, artists frequently pray to her prior to performances.

Tanjore painting of Goddess Saraswati and her blessings

Native to Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, Tanjore paintings are a beautiful art form created on wooden boards. The paintings of Devi Saraswati are stunning fusions of art and craft where they highlight specific features of the picture using 22 carat golden leaf, semi-precious stones, pearls, glass pieces, and brilliant hues. The west-southwest direction is the best location to place Ma Saraswati's Tanjore Paintings because this area stands symbolizes knowledge. Keeping the painting of Goddess Saraswati is credited with bestowing upon people the abilities of communication, insight, and knowledge. She has four hands, each of which stands for one of the four learning-related facets of a human character: thought, logic, consciousness, and vanity.

FAQ

Q1. What is Goddess Saraswati’s connection with music?

Anuraga is also linked to Devi Saraswati. It alludes to a love and admiration for the melodic essence of music as a method of conveying thoughts and emotions.

Q2. What is Goddess Saraswati’s connection with Vedas?

The four arms of the Goddess Saraswati are said to portray the Rigveda, Atharvaveda, Samveda, and Yajurveda.

Q3. Which powder is used in Tanjore painting?

Limestone powder, mixed with gum obtained from tamarind, known as “Sukkan” locally is used in Tanjore painting, for the gesso work that gives the artwork its distinguishable three-dimensional appearance.

Q4. What board is used for Tanjore painting?

For making a traditional Tanjore painting, the artists select a strong wooden board, taken from the jackfruit or teakwood tree. This board is used as the base for making the canvas for a Thanjavur painting, on which a white cloth layered with limestone and a binding agent is spread.