Divine Deities: Hand-Painted Tanjore Collection
From the cosmic Shiva Parivar to the graceful warrior Murugan, our divine collection captures the sacred essence of these revered deities in 24K gold and traditional relief.
Every dot matters. This beautiful family portrait of Shiva Parivar, featuring Shiva, Parvati, Ganesha, and Murugan, is a symbol of cosmic balance and harmony.
The most powerful family, Shiva Parivar. This finished painting is a celebration of the divine household, complete with Nandi the bull and a peacock.
Murugan, the warrior of light and wisdom. He is the guardian of truth and the giver of spiritual awakening. This painting depicts him standing tall with his divine spear, the Vel.
Lord Murugan, son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. This painting shows him with his peacock mount, ready to bless his devotees. We will be teaching this beautiful piece in an upcoming course.
Here I am applying 24-karat gold to Palani Murugan, the warrior god. In our tradition, gold is a symbol of divinity, and every flake I place is a prayer.
Gold in paintings symbolizes royalty and divinity. Here we are working on a beautiful painting of Lord Murugan, and we are happy to share the process of applying the gold foil with you.
Jai Hanuman. Here are small snippets from our recent painting of our beloved Hanumanji. This piece captures his devotion and strength as he holds his mace.
Hanumanji, I surrender to you. Guide us to have your humility, selflessness, and unwavering devotion. This painting shows him in a standing pose, ready to serve Lord Rama.
When you think of Hanuman, there is Rama. This painting beautifully depicts Hanuman's pure bhakti, as he tears open his chest to reveal Lord Rama and Sita residing in his heart.
Swamiye Ayyappa. This 10 by 12-inch painting captures the ascetic Lord Ayyappa in his meditative pose, a powerful symbol of self-control and dharma.
About The Divine Assembly: Shiva, Murugan & More
Each painting here is a slow, meditative process. We do not use machine molds; I hand-mix the traditional Sudha paste for the high-relief work, and every piece of 24K gold foil is placed as a dedicated prayer. When you hold one of these, you will notice the signature fish-shaped eyes—the final, most vital step that truly brings the deity to life in your space.
Honoring Sacred Tradition
In our Basavanagudi studio, bringing a deity to life is a Sadhana (spiritual practice), not just a painting job. Whether it is the fierce warrior energy of Lord Murugan or the serene household balance of the Shiva Parivar, we follow the 400-year-old Shilpa Shastra methods passed down from my grandmother.
The Making of a Deity
- Foundation: We start with high-quality jackfruit wood or plywood, treated with natural limestone gesso to ensure the base lasts for generations.
- High-Relief Work: We create the raised designs using traditional Sudha (a mixture of limestone and gum), never synthetic fillers. This gives the painting its distinct, tactile depth.
- Authentic Gold: We exclusively use genuine 24K gold foil. You will see the luster on the Prabhavali (arch) and the deity's jewelry. It catches the light differently than gold paint, offering a warmth that only real gold provides.
- Detailing: The final stage is hand-painting with watercolours. The eyes are always painted last—the moment they open, the deity is considered 'awake.'
FAQ: Bringing Divine Art Home
Can I commission a specific deity not listed? Yes. While we keep a collection of ready-to-hang pieces at the studio, most of our work is commissioned. We plan the iconography, dimensions, and color palettes together to ensure it fits perfectly in your pooja room.
How do I care for these paintings? These are heirlooms. Keep them away from direct moisture, and if you need to dust them, use a soft, dry brush. The high-quality glass or acrylic frames provided ensure they stay protected for years.
Tanjore Collective
I am Vibha. Growing up, I was surrounded by the scent of gesso and the shine of gold foil—this art is my family's legacy. My team and I pour the same devotion into your paintings that my mother and grandmother taught me, ensuring each piece is a blessing for your home.
Looking for a specific form?
Browse our divine collection or find the perfect deity for your space.
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