The contemporary hand painting on velvet cloth you see here depicts Lord Shiva, one of the Divine Trinity in Hinduism.

Shiva, also known as Maheshwara, Nataraja and so on, is one of the most powerful Gods in Hindu mythology, representing the three Cosmic aspects of creation, preservation and destruction. The Lord of Dance, Shiva is also often shown as a meditative figure, performing severe penance in Mount Kailas.

Shiva’s figure also inspires awe and amazement. His body is smeared with ash, there is a powerful Third Eye on His forehead, snakes wind themselves around His head, neck and even arms and He wears a tiger skin around his waist. He has matted hair wound in a string of wildflowers. Resting on His head is a crescent moon. His weapon is the Trishula or the Trident. The Goddess Ganga is trapped in his locks and lets out a constant spout of water from where she has been imprisoned.