Collection: Devotional

The architecture of Haji Ali Dargah offers many interesting and unique compositions. This was one of them. I don’t think I have ever painted a composition quite like this before, and that was exactly what attracted me to it. While working on this painting, I enjoyed the process a lot. The part I enjoyed the most was the lattice. In the past, I had painted green nets that looked somewhat similar, but I had never painted a marble lattice. It can feel challenging, especially in watercolour, but that challenge is also what makes it exciting. Once you understand the technique, painting such details becomes very enjoyable. As artists, we often tend to avoid subjects that look difficult. But many times, the real joy lies in taking on those challenges. I feel it’s important to keep looking for unique frames and compositions. It is not always necessary to paint every detail exactly as it appears; what matters is capturing the essence of the scene through your own visual language.

This scene was captured in the afternoon when the sunlight was quite strong. However, I didn’t want to paint the light as intensely as it appeared, so I chose to keep it softer and more muted. I also intentionally left out the figures, even though the place was quite crowded at the time. In another painting from the same location, I included the people, but for this work I was interested in exploring the stones, their textures, and the subtle colour variations within them. My goal wasn’t to make an exact copy of the scene. Instead, I wanted to redesign and interpret it in my own way, creating textures and marks that felt personal to the painting. Rather than focusing on every detail, I was interested in responding to the forms, rhythms, and surface qualities of the landscape.

Eternal Union of Shiva and Parvati portrays a tender moment of divine love, where separation dissolves into oneness. Parvati gazes at the crescent moon resting in her joined palms, realizing that the moon adorning Shiva’s forehead and the moon formed within her own hands are one and the same. In that realization, she understands that Shiva is never distant from her. The ethereal presence of Shiva in the background symbolizes a love that transcends physical form, while the luminous crescent represents trust, belonging, and eternal companionship. Through this poetic exchange, the work celebrates a union so profound that what belongs to one naturally resides within the other. Filled with serenity and devotion, the painting invites viewers to reflect on the beauty of love where two souls remain forever connected, beyond time and space.

Prem portrays the sacred bond between Lord Shiva and Vasuki; a relationship rooted in trust, acceptance, and unconditional love. Resting gently around Shiva, Vasuki becomes more than a serpent; he becomes a beloved companion, held close to the heart of the divine. Shiva’s serene expression and the intimate composition reflect a quiet affection that transcends words. The work reminds us that true love embraces every form of existence, transforming even what is feared into something cherished. Filled with calmness and devotion, Prem speaks of companionship, belonging, and the beauty of being accepted exactly as one is.

Dancing Nandi captures a moment of pure devotion, where Nandi is so immersed in the remembrance of Lord Shiva that he begins to imagine Shiva dancing alongside him. While Nandi appears vibrant and alive in the foreground, Shiva emerges softly in the background, reflecting a vision born from love, faith, and spiritual ecstasy. The dynamic posture of Nandi symbolizes joy in its purest form, devotion that transforms into celebration. The warm earthy tones and textured surface evoke a sense of energy and movement, while the ethereal presence of Shiva reminds us that the divine often appears most vividly within the imagination of a devoted heart.

This companion piece to Chandramouleshwar reflects the divine harmony between Shiva and Parvati. While Shiva bears the moon upon his forehead, Parvati carries its soothing essence within her own being. Her calm gaze and gentle presence embody the nurturing, compassionate, and balancing energy that completes the cosmic union. The moon-inspired patterns woven throughout her attire symbolize serenity, intuition, and inner radiance, suggesting that the same celestial light that adorns Shiva also shines through Parvati. Together, the pair celebrates the inseparable balance of masculine and feminine energies, strength and grace, stillness and compassion.

I have often heard that the evenings at this place are very special. It is the time when the Mehfil-e-Sama takes place, which most of us know as qawwali. While these gatherings can be held on different occasions, many people speak of the unique atmosphere that surrounds the dargah in the evening. In these gatherings, famous qawwalis such as Chaap Tilak, Sakal Ban, and Rang are performed. Many of these compositions were written by Hazrat Amir Khusro for his spiritual guide and beloved mentor, Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya. People come here for different reasons. Some are drawn by their love for Sufi traditions, some come in search of peace, while others share a personal faith and connection with the place. Yet each visitor arrives with their own intentions, memories, and affection for it. I cannot speak from personal experience, as I have not yet had the opportunity to visit this dargah. However, as an artist, two things have always attracted me to it—the art of qawwali and its beautiful architecture. I hope to visit one day and experience its atmosphere for myself. The evening views of the dargah, when the lights begin to glow, particularly fascinate me. This painting is based on a reference image, though I made several compositional changes to create a quieter and more contemplative mood.

Chandramouleshwar explores the intimate bond between Lord Shiva and the crescent moon that adorns his forehead. Here, the moon is not merely an ornament but a living presence, lovingly embraced within Shiva’s consciousness. The luminous crescent frames his face like a halo of peace, while Vasuki rests close beside him, completing the harmony between devotion, nature, and the cosmos. The work symbolizes coolness amidst intensity, stillness amidst movement, and the eternal balance that Shiva embodies. Through its gentle glow and contemplative mood, Chandramouleshwar invites viewers to experience inner tranquility, reminding us that true light is not found outside, but awakened from within.

‘An Unspoken Friendship’ celebrates the silent yet eternal bond between Nandi and the Moon; two of Lord Shiva’s most beloved companions. Suspended amidst the clouds, Nandi drifts effortlessly within the moon’s luminous aura, symbolizing a friendship that needs no words, only presence. The earthy textures woven across Nandi’s form reflect the essence of soil and remind us that no matter how high we rise, our true grace lies in remaining connected to our roots. The cool palette, gentle moonlight, and floating clouds create a sense of serenity and inner stillness, inviting the viewer into a space of reflection and peace. Rooted in Indian spiritual thought yet universally relatable, this work speaks of loyalty, companionship, humility, and belonging. Its tranquil energy and balanced composition make it a soothing presence for any space, radiating calmness, emotional warmth, and a subtle sense of harmony often associated with Vastu-friendly art.

Shambhu portrays Lord Shiva not as a distant deity, but as a profound state of stillness that resides within every being. With eyes gently closed and a serene expression, Shiva embodies inner peace, self-awareness, and the silence that exists beyond thought. The flowing locks, interwoven with serpents, symbolize the harmonious coexistence of power and calmness, while the serpent resting near his heart represents awakened consciousness, protection, and transformation. The textured surface reflects the layers of human experience- strength, vulnerability, wisdom, and growth woven together through time. Bathed in a gentle aura of light, this work invites the viewer to pause, reflect, and reconnect with their inner self. Rooted in Indian spirituality yet universal in its message, Shambhu radiates tranquility, balance, and a timeless sense of sacred presence, making it a deeply contemplative and uplifting artwork for any space.

This companion piece to Madmast Nandi-I portrays Nandi immersed in pure bliss, floating joyfully through the clouds as he journeys toward Lord Shiva’s divine procession. With his face turned upward and eyes filled with devotion, Nandi appears lost in the ecstasy of remembrance, celebrating the presence of Shiva even before reaching him. The circular movement of the composition evokes continuity, harmony, and the endless flow of faith. The soft blue-grey tones and cloud-filled atmosphere create a feeling of coolness and tranquility, while the earthy textures remind us to remain grounded even in moments of spiritual elevation. Filled with gentle energy and auspicious symbolism, this work radiates peace, devotion, and the quiet joy that arises from an unbreakable bond with the divine.

Moon Within captures a serene moment where Lord Shiva feels the Moon becoming one with his own consciousness. With eyes closed in deep stillness, Shiva experiences no separation between himself and the celestial presence he adorns. The merging glow symbolizes inner peace, balance, and spiritual unity, while the flowing locks and layered textures evoke the rhythm of cosmic energy and timeless wisdom. Radiating calmness and quiet contemplation, this work invites viewers to discover the moonlike tranquility that already resides within.

Madmast Nandi captures the joyous spirit of Nandi as he adorns himself and dances through the clouds on his way to Lord Shiva’s divine wedding procession. His gentle smile and serene expression reflect unwavering devotion, love, and anticipation for his beloved Shiva. The circular composition creates a continuous flow of movement, symbolizing the eternal cycle of faith, celebration, and spiritual connection. Earth inspired textures ground the work in humility, while the floating clouds evoke a sense of freedom, bliss, and transcendence. Radiating positivity and calm energy, this painting invites the viewer to experience devotion not as duty, but as a joyful celebration of the heart.

In this plen air painting i try to capture the interplay of light, shade, and tonal harmony — using shapes and colours During my visit to varanasi

In this plen air painting i try to capture the interplay of light, shade, and tonal harmony — using shapes and colours During my visit to varanasi

In this plen air painting i try to capture the interplay of light, shade, and tonal harmony — using shapes and colours During my visit to varanasi

In this plen air painting i try to capture the interplay of light, shade, and tonal harmony — using shapes and colours During my visit to varanasi

In this plen air painting i try to capture the interplay of light, shade, and tonal harmony — using shapes and colours During my visit to varanasi

In this plen air painting i try to capture the interplay of light, shade, and tonal harmony — using shapes and colours During my visit to varanasi

In this plen air painting i try to capture the interplay of light, shade, and tonal harmony — using shapes and colours During my visit to varanasi