Calendar

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 calendar print is a proof.

calendar art; 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 shaped calendar print depicting a smiling, dark-haired Murugan emerging (head, neck, and hand on left) from a large lotus flower. Across the middle of his forehead are three white, horizontal, parallel lines above red dot. He is adorned with earrings, pink floral garland around neck, gold jeweled bracelet, necklace and headdress with a large white star in centre. On left his hand is raised and the palm faces outward showing a red symbol in it. On right is the upper portion of gold lance; markings on jeweled spade-shaped lance head reiterates boy's forehead. At the base is a rooster on left and a peacock on right. Background is dark blue gradated colouring with green and light blue shapes and flowers. Yellow block Indian script, top left corner.