Exhibit of the week- 185
(14th to 20th December 2023)

MOHINI BHASAMASUR
A Kalamkari painting 

This Kalamkari painting on cloth depicts the story of Mohini Bhasamasur. Kalamkari is a traditional painting originated in Srikalahasti of Chittoor district and Machilipatnam of Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh. Kalamkari painting usually depicts mythological stories, scenes from the great epics Ramayana and Mahabharata, Bhagwat puran, narratives from folklore and nature inspired motives. The designs are drawn with highly intricate details and characterized by fine lines. In Srikalahasti style motives include gods and goddess, mythological characters with intricate pen work and vibrant colours but in Machilipatnam style the designs are bold with larger motives often incorporate floral patterns, geometrical designs mostly used with block printing. The present painting is the depiction of the story of Mohini & Bhasamasur on cloth by using the colours like indigo, black, yellow & red derived from natural sources. Bhasamasur was an Asura or Demon who was a great devotee of Lord Shiva. He performed great penance to obtain a boon from Shiva, as a result of his penance he was granted power to burn up and turn any one into ashes immediately, whose head he will touch with his hand. He wanted to apply this boon first on Lord Shiva but Lord Shiva fled and reached to Lord Vishnu. Vishnu took the form of Mohini and attracted bhasamasur with her charm & beauty and initiated a dance called Mukuta Nritya. Vishnu asked Bhasamasur to copy her if he wants to marry her. During the course of dance she forced Bhasamasur to place his hand on his own head, the moment he touched his head he was burnt into ashes.

Acc. No. 2006.1027
Local Name - MOHINI BHASAMASUR, A Kalamkari painting
Community- Folk
Locality- Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh
Measurement- Height 140 cms., Length 256 cm.

Click here to View Pdf

Click here to View More Details

Date: December 14, 2023