Tuesday 25 March 2014

Place a circle of Musk on My Forehead

Place a circle of Musk on My Forehead

Kangra miniature from the Gita Govinda series.
Early 18th century.

       Having united with Krishna, next day Radha asks him to do her makeup. Lovingly, he obliges. She tells him, "O Love, place now a fresh circle of musk, black as the lunar spots, on the moon of my forehead; and mix gay flowers on my tresses with a peacock's feather, in graceful order,  that they may wave like the banners of Kama ( the god of love)." 
       The lovers sit amongst the green rolling hills, amongst flowers, besides the Yamuna River, the dawn breaks in the background over bulbous clouds which havr gathered in the horizon.  Radha leans forward for Kroshna to apply the musk dot on her forehead.
         This painting depicts an idyllic landscape where the lovers spend their morning.
        The soul, now equal to God, can dictate god about what needs to be done. The equation between God and the soul has turned. This is the ultimate message of Gita Govinda.

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