Shiva Incinerates Kama, Lord of Desire (Madana Bhasma)

Currently not on view

Shiva Incinerates Kama, Lord of Desire (Madana Bhasma)

c. 1820

Attributed to Chokha (Indian, active 1799–1824)

Engaged in eternal lovemaking to the goddess Parvati, Shiva ignores the other gods’ pleas for his help in subduing a powerful demon. Illustrated here is the moment when the couple is interrupted by the gods, causing Shiva to spill his seed into the fire and resulting in the conception of their son Karttikeya. The dark palette with extreme light and shadow emphasizes the intimacy and drama of the scene. A single, gently leaning tree protects the figures from the elements but also isolates them from the mountaintop palaces in the distant background.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

Shiva Incinerates Kama, Lord of Desire (Madana Bhasma)
In an effort to incinerate Kama, who is sent to complete Shiva's eons-long sex with Parvati, Shiva sends his semen into the flames and creates the God Karttikeya

Date:

c. 1820

Artist:

Attributed to Chokha (Indian, active 1799–1824)

Medium:

Opaque watercolor with gold on paper

Dimensions:

Image: 8 13/16 × 6 13/16 inches (22.4 × 17.3 cm) Sheet: 11 1/8 × 8 11/16 inches (28.3 × 22.1 cm)

Classification:

Paintings

Credit Line:

Stella Kramrisch Collection, 1994

Accession Number:

1994-148-408

Geography:

Made in Devgarh, Rajasthan, Mewar Region, India, Asia

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Currently not on view