Rama hugging Hanuman — Lalita Kapilavai
© Lalita Kapilavai. Sacred Art & Carnatic Music Archive. Digital reproduction, automated screen captures, and unauthorized printings are strictly prohibited.
Rama hugging Hanuman
Natural pigments, shell gold on wasli paper • L= 32.1cms; W=22.8cms
Rama hugging Hanuman
Iconographic Commentary & Symbolism
In this painting we see Rama hugging Hanuman in appreciation of his great devotion and selfless service to his master in the Sundarakanda episode of the epic Ramayana. Hanuman displays staunch devotion in searching for mother Sita who was kept captive by Ravana.
Rama is shown in blue hue and in his yellow pitambara as he is vishnu incarnate. The fair complexion oh Hanuman could symbolically suggest purity and devotion. This is contrasted by his red dhoti and minimal adorations. The fluttering shawls suggest the immediacy of the event. This is a simple composition in Rajasthani style but has profound effect when one looks into the expression in their eyes. The moment creates an aesthetic emotion of shanta rasa (sentiment of tranquility) in the onlookers.
