The Saraswati Ashtottaranama Shatanam Stotram- 108 names of the goddess of wisdom by sage Agastya, describe her as the benevolent “Vidyaroopa”- wisdom and creativity incarnate and “Raktabijanihantri”- the annihilator of the demon Raktabija. She is “Ambika”- mother of all beings and “Chamunda”- the destroyer of Chanda and Munda. In the Shakta tradition, Mahasaraswati- the great Saraswati is an omnipresent and omnipotent feminine energy, who engaged in the three tasks of creation, sustenance, and annihilation. Her benevolence eye is life and her rage is death. As one of the Tridevis, Mahasaraswati is a riveting presence in Hindu tradition, whose ethereal beauty has been brought to life in the idiom of Mysore paintings.
Goddess Mahasaraswati sits on her lotus throne, adorned in regal red attire and ornate jewelry. Her crown is embellished by the crescent moon and her girdle is marked by the royal emblem Kirtimukha and rows of Hamsa or swan, symbols of divine wisdom. The grandeur of Saraswati is expressed in her ten arms, which halo her brilliantly bringing a divine splendor to the imagery.
Classical and folk dancers on the left and ascetics and devotees on the right gather around the heavenly Mahasaraswati, creating an aura of eternal celebration. The golden arch framing the painting, a characteristic element in Mysore artworks, is populated by images of Kirtimukha, warriors taming lions, and divine musicians creating melodies in the praise of the goddess who is the sole source of all Ragas. On the inner portion of the arch are Yalis, adding to the richness of the scene.
A pristine blue background elevates the transcendental atmosphere that wraps the goddess while the flowing waters in the foreground, decorated by lotuses and animated by fishes, bring a degree of liveliness to the artwork. Nurturing life and creativity all around her, Mahasaraswati with her gentle eyes and a hint of a smile, purifies the hearts of her devotees.
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