Brahmani, Vaishnavi, and Maheshvari

Currently not on view

Brahmani, Vaishnavi, and Maheshvari

c. 1840-1850

Artist/maker unknown, Indian

These three Hindu goddesses are probably the energies (shaktis) of the three primary male gods, rather than their wives. On the left is Brahmani, energy of the multiheaded priest-god Brahma. She rides his gander and holds his holy water pot and ladle. At center is blue-skinned Vaishnavi riding Garuda, Vishnu’s bird-man mount. At right is Maheshvari, the energy of Shiva who is also known as Maheshvara (Great Lord). Like the god, her body is covered in white ash, and she wields a trident and rides a bull. The appropriate god appears at the upper left of each goddess.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

Brahmani, Vaishnavi, and Maheshvari
Brahmani, Vaishnavi, and Shiva

Date:

c. 1840-1850

Artist:

Artist/maker unknown, Indian

Medium:

Opaque and transparent watercolor on paper

Dimensions:

Image (1959-93-71): 2 7/8 × 2 1/2 inches (7.3 × 6.4 cm) Image (1959-93-72): 2 7/8 × 2 5/16 inches (7.3 × 5.9 cm) Image (1959-93-73): 2 7/8 × 2 3/8 inches (7.3 × 6 cm) Sheet (Overall 71--73): 2 7/8 × 7 3/16 inches (7.3 × 18.3 cm)

Classification:

Paintings

Credit Line:

Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Lessing J. Rosenwald, 1959

Accession Number:

1959-93-71--73

Geography:

Made in Himachal Pradesh, India, Asia Possibly made in Guler, Himachal Pradesh, India, Asia

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Currently not on view