Pattachitra Painting of Krishna on Kandarpa Hasti (48" X 30") PCP-007

Pattachitra is one of the distinct form of traditional hand-painting in Odisha ,which have been continuously in existence for almost 800 years. The themes and motifs of Pattachitra center around Lord Jagannath and the Vaishnava cult, mainly taken from the epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata. Sometimes the themes are also based on folklores and regional festivals.

In modern times this amazing art of Pattachitra has been kept alive by the traditional Painter-community known as "Chitrakaras” who live in and around Raghurajpur village of Puri district in Odisha.

This pattachitra painting has multiple themes, with Krishna on Kandarpa hasti in the center; Raas Leela with Gopi's, Dashavatara, birth and childhood stories of Krishna surrounding it.

Kandarpa Hasti, the heavenly elephant , is a popular theme in the context of art of Odisha. The other name of Kandarpa Hasti is Navanarikunjara, where nine Gopi’s or maiden women are entangled with each other to form the shape of an Elephant. Kandarpa Hasti is seen in the context of Krishna Raas Leela. Sometimes it can be a stand-alone elephant. But very often Lord Krishna is seen with his flute on top of the elephant.