Lord Murugan with Devasena and Valli

Description

Originally published by the Ravi Varma Press, bringing classical Hindu iconography into mass reproduction and making sacred imagery accessible to households across India.

Historical context

This captivating work associated with the legendary master Raja Ravi Varma portrays Lord Murugan, the beloved deity of war, wisdom, and divine youth, flanked by his two divine consorts, Valli and Devasena. Lord Murugan is shown radiating a calm yet formidable majesty as he embraces his beloved queens. Behind them, the majestic peacock unfurls its iridescent feathers into a magnificent, shimmering fan of emerald and sapphire eyes, symbolizing supreme beauty, vigilance, and the destruction of ego. Below, a serpent rears its head, acknowledging the profound spiritual energies and cosmic forces held in balance by the deity. Through pioneering lithographic traditions, these works bridged the gap between elite oil painting and public devotion, forever transforming how millions of worshippers visualize their beloved gods with tenderness and living presence.