KALIYA NAGA MARDAN
51 x 46 inches
Acrylic and ink on canvas
2020

Lila (playful games) was a constant theme in the legends of Krishna’s childhood and youth. When he was battling with a servant, even that is described as him playing a game. To save the people of Gokul/Vrindavan from poisonous vapors emerging from Kaliya, who had taken shelter in River Yamuna, Krishna jumps in waters of Yamuna. Upon being encoiled by Kaliya, He enlarges his body causing great pain to the serpent. With red eyes of Kaliya providing lights and water giving the rhythm, Krishna steps on each of the rising Hoods of Kaliya, forcing the serpent to surrender. Krishna pardons him and sends him to the sea.