The Holy Family

This colourful composition belonging to Pahari tradition is unique in the way in which it brings together the elements of other Pahari schools into a Basohli painting. The dramatic, vivid and swirling clouds cover the skies as Shiva leads his family homeward. The landscape is filled with trees of different forms and hues in multiple layers through which a stream of river flows. Among the dwellings, one can spot a Shiva shrine in the distant background, symbolically suggesting their home.                           

The divine couple share their chores as they travel. Shiva, the wanderer carries Shanmukha (the six-headed God) on his shoulder while mother Parvati cuddles the elephant God, Ganesha as she is seated on the patchwork- caparisoned bull. Shiva while leading the way lovingly looks behind in a caring manner to check if all is well.