
Painting
Determination of the Sparrow and Garuda
Indian School · 18–20c.
Description
Commissioned for educational and spiritual publications within the International Society for Krishna Consciousness movement to illustrate teachings on pure devotion.
Historical context
This painting portrays a profound spiritual allegory from traditional Vaishnava teachings, where a tiny sparrow attempts to drain the vast ocean after the waves carry away her eggs. Despite her infinitesimal size, her unwavering determination catches the attention of Garuda, the mighty divine eagle and mount of Lord Vishnu. Garuda, moved by her steadfast tenacity, steps in to assist her, symbolizing that supreme spiritual success in bhakti is achieved not through physical prowess, but through a resolute and unyielding will.
Featured in
Poems paired with this painting
- मुक्ति की आकांक्षाSarveshwar Dayal SaxenaRead →
- रे मन राम सों करि हेतSurdasRead →
- नैन भये बोहित के कागSurdasRead →
- उड़ चल हारिलSachchidananda Hirananda Vatsyayan 'Agyeya'Read →
- उड़ चल, हारिलSachchidananda Hirananda Vatsyayan 'Agyeya'Read →
- चिड़िया और चिरौटेAvaneesh Singh ChauhanRead →
- हम पंछी उन्मुक्त गगन केShivamangal Singh 'Suman'Read →
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