Finding Krishna
Pichwai, the ornate piece of cloth hung behind Shreenathji's idol is distinctly Krishna's art, originating from Nathdwara, where the deity resides. 'wai' means behind & 'pich' means a hanging. The Pichwai is the cloth hanging behind the deity.
Traditionally, the art narrates stories about Krishna & motifs we associate with him. The Leelas or stories as old as time were painted on temple walls in Nathadwara.
Today, those elaborate stories are beautifully narrated on smaller canvases & sometimes just featuring the motifs Krishna holds dearly. In the various stories of Krishna's 'anek swaroop', he is immediately recognizable with his cheery herd of cows, his ever blooming Lotus, his ever present 'Murli' & more.
The cow, being Krishna's favourite pet, finds special relevance in Pichwai. They are usually found decorated with sindoori handprints.
Mahesh Bishnoi from Bhilwara, Rajasthan is inspired from the traditional Pichwai art & his works are experiments in contemporizing it.
