- Title
- Krishna as Shri Madanmohanji (One who Intoxicates with Infatuation) Performing the Dance of Delight (Rasa Lila)
- Date Made
- circa 1825-1850
- Medium
- Opaque watercolor and gold on cloth
- Dimensions
- Frame (Framed): 94 × 82 1/2 × 2 in. (238.76 × 209.55 × 5.08 cm)
84 1/2 x 76 in. (214.63 x 193.04 cm)
- Accession Number
- M.2010.187
- Collecting Area
- South and Southeast Asian Art
- Curatorial Notes
For centuries, the northern Indian city of Nathadwara, Rajasthan has been the focus of religious pilgrims who come to view the dark stone image of Shri Nathji, considered the preeminent form of the Hindu god Krishna worshipped by the Vallabha Sampradaya religious community founded in the 16th century by the philosopher-saint Vallabhacharya. Devotees consider the image of Shri Nathji and six other principal images at Nathadwara to contain the immanent presence of Krishna. Throughout the year, these images are dressed by Vallabha priests in twenty-four modes of adornment (shringaras) according to the major festivals reenacting episodes from Krishna’s life.
The distinctive paintings, known as pichhwai (hanging behind) because they are generally placed behind the images, are decorated with iconographic compositions relating to the specific celebrations. They are intended to enhance the spiritual experience of devotees who receive Krishna’s darshan –– the gaze of a deity or holy man meant to confirm blessings.
This painting was created for use as a ceremonial backdrop for an image of Krishna in his form as Shri Madanmohanji, who is worshipped during the festival of the autumn full moon. According to Hindu belief, Krishna’s hypnotic fluting drew milkmaids (gopis) to the forest during the month of Ashvin (September-October), where under the light of the full moon Krishna led the lovesick women in the dance of delight (rasa lila). See also M.73.22, M.75.66, and AC1995.102.1.