ABSTRACT STORY

This piece depicts Śiva as Paśupati, leading his beloved mount - Nandi, away from a Bael tree into the wilderness.

Paśupati is a one of the oldest names attached to Śiva. 'Paśu' is derived from the root word 'Paś' which means fixed and/or bound. The term 'Paśu' has been read to mean 'beast/animal' in various contexts, but has also been used to denote an animal-like/beast-like quality in one's consciousness, which is conquered upon realization of the primordial lord - Śiva.

The painting captures various elements from Śaivism, and is split into two halves i.e. the upper half depicting the 'world' as it is, and the lower half symbolizing that which holds it up; with the herder walking on the seam between them.