Print

Indian popular religious prints have been published for nearly a century, first by German presses, later by Indian ones. The prints may take the form of calendars, posters, or simply images. The style of the representations is European. In the beginning they were Hindu images, but are now acquiring elements both of folk art and a romantic secularism. It is a living art currently influenced by the movie industry and non-Hindu religions. The images are a vehicle for advertising and are also used for religious purposes. This print was produced, framed, and displayed in a prayer room for 'puja' or worship.

popular religious art

Murugan, great integrator among divinities and perfect son of Shiva and Parvati, is the divine child and source of power, love, and wisdom. He is the warrior god who defeats Taraka, the evil demon/giant, with his lance, 'Sakti-vel'. When defeating a demon of ignorance, Murugan is shown with multiple arms. Also identified by: appearing together with Parvati, Ganesh, and/or Shiva; three white lines and third eye or ascetic symbol stating association with Shiva; attendant peacock, feathers of which have many eyes radiant of the sun; Brahminical thread across chest; moon, toy; red and gold in association with the earth and sun; and the rooster. Other names for Murugan are: Karttikeya, Skanda, Subrahmanya, and Kumara. Naming varies regionally.

Rectangular calendar print depicting Murugan with shoulder-length black curly hair, a bare chest and a partial smile on lips. He is wearing a yellow dhoti with a green cloth tied at waist; yellow patterned pink shawl draped over one shoulder and opposite arm. He is adorned with jeweled gold crown, earrings, armbands, bracelets and rings; five necklaces composed of gold, pearls and jewels. Three horizontal, parallel white lines with red dot in centre decorate his forehead. Long-staffed, jeweled, gold lance is held upright by arm on left; outward-facing, upraised palm on left is decorated with a red diamond floral design. There is a pale yellow halo bordered by blue behind his head. Remaining ground is purple. There is white printed writing in both bottom corners.