Radha-Krishna Pooja Chowki

The chowki serves an important function in the pooja-room of any Indian home. It is where the murtis, the objects of one’s devotion, find pride of place during the poojana. A fabric asana is laid over the surface of the chowki, and the murtis stand thereon. The individual conducting the pooja sits on the floor afore the chowki and makes their offerings on the chowki itself. The one you see on this page is a fine example of the age-old wooden chowki found in almost every Indian household.

It is a beautifully decorated number. The undying image of the amorous couple, Radha-Krishna, has been painted on its surface. The warm colour palette of the work - deep pastel green, red, blue, and ochre - is set off by the generous infusion of cool dotted white motifs. The Lord plays on the flute, while His lady dances in ecstasy with the matka atop Her head. From the halo of His turbaned head to the motion of Her lehenga, and the shades and tints of the sunset and the grass of the backdrop, this pooja chowki is a richly detailed, functional work of art.