Maharaas Pichwai by Shehzaad Ali Sherani

Sharad Purnima, the full moon of Ashwin Shukla (October- November), is a significant festival for the Vallabha community. Although a specific Sharad Purnima Pichwai exists, it is not displayed on the actual Purnima (full moon night). Instead, the Maha Raas Pichwai serves as the backdrop, reflecting the belief that Shri Krishna performed the Raas Leela during the evening of Sharad Purnima. This Raas Leela allegorically represents the Jeevatma (individual soul) seeking the paramatma (Supreme Soul). The narrative's foundation lies in the Bhagavata Purana (10th canto, chapters 29-33) and the writings of Vallabhacharya.

The bright full moon of Sharad Purnima illuminates the Raas Leela, depicting Shri Krishna’s divine love. The circular composition shows Krishna's simultaneous presence with each gopi, symbolizing his omnipresence and accessibility to all, a core Vaishnavite tenet. The circular composition, common in traditional Indian art, represents cosmic order, unity with the divine, and cyclical time. Shrinathji is depicted at the centre, captivating the gopis with the enchanting music of his flute; flanking him, a gopi holds a golden plate, while another plays a dholak. Lush banana and Kadamba trees in the background along with peacocks in the foreground witness the divine Raas.

The starry night sky reveals Indra, Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma, with their consorts and mounts, descending from the celestial realm to observe this divine event.
The Pichwai consists of 26 side panels; the leftmost base panel illustrates children receiving instruction in the Leelas of Shri Krishna, while the rightmost depicts the Jamuna River. The remaining 24 panels illustrate the 24 darshans of Shri Krishna, each portrayed in a distinct attire. The Raas Leela is not merely a painting, but a visual embodiment of the Bhakti movement, executed with exceptional artistic skill.

Real gold is used in this painting.

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