In continuation of my Chithira katha posts, here are my designs that were based on the legends of Lord Rama and Shiva. If you have read the Shiva Trilogy by Amish Tripati (if not yet, then you must) or atleast the first book, Immortals of Meluha, you would be aware of the deep rooted connection between Rama and Rudra or Shiva. Rama is the the incarnation of Lord Vishnu ans is said to be one of the most righteous kings to ever rule on earth. His period of reign (almost 1.2 million years ago) referred to as the Rama Raajya is said to be a period of no corruption, poverty or malice. His story of righteousness against all odds – attacking demons, 14 year long exile, abduction of his wife sita, crossing most of the Indian subcontinent and travelling to Sri Lanka (over the sea) on foot, war, victory and separation from his wife forms the cruz of Ramayana or the story of Rama.
Ramayana, in my opinion is more secular than most religious texts as it talks about struggle, determination, truth and justice and could be the reason why is adapted and read in many different countries. The original epic consists of 24,000 verses in seven books but can be summarized to a single sloka or verse which highlights all the important happenings. In this necklace – The Eka Sloka Ramayana (1 verse ramayana) I Have created contains a collage with this verse and a scene from Rama’s exile where Rama goes looking for a magical deer while his wife Sita, gets abducted by Ravana which is the turning point of the story.
Eka sloka Ramayana
Ram sita
Image of Rama – sita during their coronation, rimmed in gilt (gold dust), set in resin in a round antique bezel. Simple glass and acrylic bead sin red, coral, olive, blue and gold. Length excl pendant -24″ , pendant drop -1.5″
Note: It is said that the iconography of Ardhanareeshwar evolved during the Kushan period and is said to have had Greek Influence, This however is subject to interpretation
Ardhanarishvara
This necklace in blue, purple and pink with wire wrapped beads comes with a glass ardhanarishvara pendant set in antique brass bezel. Earrings included Ardhanarishvara is a composite androgynous form of the Shiva and Parvati, illustrating gender equality. I have used beads in blues as in my opinion, blue is the coloring of blending and equality. (Case in point – blue is a color that suits all skin tones) Length excl pendant -19″ , pendant drop – 1.5″
Shiva Shakthi prema
Glass pendant of Shiva decorating shakthi’s hair with flowers set in antique brass leaf setting. Pale green glass chips, read and blue glass beads complete the necklace. Length excl pendant -19″ , pendant drop – 2.5″.Shiva can be seen braiding parvati’s hair here and this image is often used in Tantric texts though it
I hope you enjoyed my stories of Rama and Rudra. Will be back with more such stories
I hope you find it interesting
Cheers
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