Traditional Cloth Paper Kalighat Painting of Vishnu & Lakshmi on Garuda

This Kalighat painting on cloth and paper depicts a dramatic and auspicious mythological scene featuring Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi seated together on Garuda, the divine eagle. Positioned centrally, the divine couple is shown in close harmony, their bodies gently inclined toward one another, symbolizing cosmic balance, protection, and prosperity. Vishnus blue-toned skin and calm expression contrast beautifully with Lakshmis warm hues and graceful posture. A radiant circular halo behind them emphasizes their divine status and draws immediate focus to the celestial union. Garuda dominates the middle ground with outstretched wings rendered in soft blues and white patterns, giving a strong sense of motion and descent. Below, the narrative unfolds on the earthly plane where Gajendra the elephant is shown caught in a fierce struggle with a crocodile in the river. The elephants raised trunk and strained posture convey urgency and distress, referencing the well-known Gajendra Moksha episode, where Vishnu descends to rescue his devotee. The rippling water is depicted through repeated horizontal lines, a classic Kalighat technique that suggests movement while maintaining flatness. On either side of the lower scene, sages and devotees are shown with folded hands and attentive gazes, witnessing the divine intervention. Their stylized faces, elongated eyes, and simplified forms reinforce the folk-art character of the painting. The background features layered earth patterns and soft clouds above, enclosed within a bold decorative border. Executed on cloth and paper, this work exemplifies the Kalighat traditions ability to merge storytelling, devotion, and striking visual clarity into a single, powerful composition.

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