Artist's Notes
“In the heavens, underworld and this world of mortals, there is Oneness who pervades it all. O Universal Oneness, seeing your form as Shiv ji, whoever folds their hands and calls upon you as “Shiv, Shiv” and begs for your help, you liberate them.” – Guru Arjun Dev ji (Guru Granth Sahib, 207)
In Shaivism, Shiv ji is Mahadev, the Supreme God. He is Sada Shiv, ever-present, pure consciousness, the beginning and end of all things. He is the personification of great peace and great terror in different forms.
I have painted Shiva as the Adi Yogi, and he is bearded just like his bhakts, devotees, the yogis who meditate on him. He looks out to the viewer with his eyes half closed, in a calm-meditative state, to remind them to pray for such peace. With his throat, he traps the vish, poison of the world, and with his hand, he blesses the viewer with amrit, heavenly tranquility.
In this painting, he is dressed in tiger skin, rudraksh mala (rosary) and ardh chand (crescent moon). From his matter locks, trickles a small stream of the holy Ganges, Ganga river, and a cobra rests peacefully on his neck. That said Shiv ji is formless, he is not limited to any characteristics, forms and features. He transcends them all.
Raj Kumar Bhardwaj (verified owner) –
This is an absolutely mesmerising piece of art. I bought it as a gift to give my Mum. She was literally emotionally moved by it. Very beautiful and captivating picture of Mahadev. Loved it. Thanks Bhagat Bedi. This won’t be my last art that I purchase from you.