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.

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.

Square calendar print depicting Murugan with long dark curly hair, draped in yellow fabric over his left shoulder and across chest to hip on left; only upper torso and slightly- tilted head shown. His left hand grasps against his body a long white shafted lance with gold head. Right hand has palm facing outward decorated with a red swirl design. There are three parallel horizontal white line groups on forehead, upper and lower arms, chest and lance head. Boy is adorned with dark brown bead earrings, necklaces, bracelets and armband. Yellowish halo shape behind head. Red dot with bar underneath in centre of forehead. Red dot also on lance head. Background in light blue with some purple; green foliage and flowers in corner on upper left.