Dauji, Krishna'selder Brother Balarama
Sri Nathji is the most popular and characteristic icon of the Vallabhacharya Sampradaya (cult). This image closely resembling the icon of Sri Nathji, however, represents Balarama, Krsna's elder brother also referred to as Dauji. The followers of this Vaishnavite cult (also called Pusti Marg) mostly hail from among the inhabitants of Gujarat, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. The main temple of Sri Nathji is located in Nathadvara, about 35 Kilometers from Udaipur in Rajasthan, where it was shifted in 1670 A.D. from Mount Govardhana.
In this painting, Balarama is wearing Kachhani, which is a multi kachhani which is a multi-coloured skirt tied above the waist and hangs to the knees. It is decorated with three bands of coloured cloth, one of them is bordered and filled with the circular flower motif. This dress is prescribed especially for dance festivals, thus, if it were Krsna, we assume that he is ready for the Rasalila. Sri Nathji is depicted with his raised left hand in the posture of lifting the Mount Govardhana. But in contrarily Balarama has raised his right hand and his left hand he holds a small cup, perhaps containing intoxicating drink.
Article Code No:
NCM 267
Outer or folio measurement:
134.4 x 78.7
Verified:
Not Verified
Period:
0
Main location:
Display
Remarks on condition of painting:
Good
Remarks:
Donated to Gujarat Museum Society
by Smt Shanta Mehta
in the year 1961
by Smt Shanta Mehta
in the year 1961
Category:
Painting
Price:
0 INR