The focus of this magnificent Pattachitra painting from Odisha is Lord Hanuman, who savagely vanquishes a crocodile. According to tradition, Ravan tasked Kalanemi, a demon, with killing Lord Hanuman as he searched for the Sanjeevani Booti. Kalanemi, being a crafty guy, devises a strategy to fool Lord Hanuman into believing that he (Kalanemi) is a sage who wishes to assist. In offering Lord Hanuman his hermitage to rest during his travels, he also planted a crocodile inside the pond to murder him as he was taking a dip in it.
Lord Hanuman, unaware of the scheme, takes a plunge into the pond and is grabbed by a crocodile. He kills the crocodile, and a beautiful maiden emerges from its lifeless body. She introduces herself as Dhyanamalini, an apsara doomed to become a crocodile. She also reveals Kalanemi's evil plan to Lord Hanuman, who then kills Kalanemi, and continues his search for the Sanjeevani Booti.
In this Pattachitra, the painters aim to highlight the story by placing representations of Kalanemi masquerading as the Sage on the right side, Lord Rama thanking Lord Hanuman on the left, and Lord Hanuman killing the crocodile in the center.
The artist skillfully employs the traditional Pattachitra style, characterized by intricate patterns and vivid colors, to bring this mythological tale to life. Lord Hanuman’s form is portrayed with precision, his face exuding anger and strength. The crocodile's body coiled around the masculine visage shows a tussle that is beyond imagination. It is believed that Makarasana, a famous posture in Yogasana is inspired by this episode.
The painting goes beyond its artistic allure; it becomes a visual narrative of a lesser-explored aspect of Hanuman's life. The storytelling prowess of the artist shines through, capturing the essence of an episode not widely known by devotees. This Pattachitra masterpiece serves not only as an aesthetic delight but also as a bridge between art and mythology, inviting viewers to delve deeper into the intricate tales of Hindu epics.
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