WALL PAINTINGS ON THE TEMPLES OF HIMACHAL

In another panel Brahma, the creator of the three worlds, is shown in attendance with a book in his hands. The central panel of this enormous mural is occupied by the Devi presented in a well-knit and effective composition. At the Four Corners of the panel are presented four palaces painted in white and sheltering in each of them a seated figure of the Devi who is being attended upon by female chauri bearers or surrounded by female devotees. There is also a palace in the centre in which a fiveheaded Devi is seated on the body of a prostrate Siva. In front of her the heavy, rounded and obese form of a raja stands with folded hands wearing a turban and an achkan (long coat) very similar to the achkans in contemporary use. This figure evidently represents the donor or patron of the painting or the temple or of both. Behind the Devi stands an old grey-haired queen with a crown on her head in front of whom stand two young princesses, again with crowns on their heads'. Below the Devi's throne or chauki, the ground is painted in maroon color and devis and devatas are sitting in worshipful positions. On the left hand side are seen many princesses and their retinue of women, all decked ir attractive clothes. All around the central panel are seen the devotees of the Devi."*

Dr. Mira Seth continues :

"What is interesting to note is that even in this crowded world of the nobility and the aristocracy, the artist made use in his composition Of the common people and their daily round of life, They are presented in the context of their lowly environs, sometime talking to sadhus and taking their advice, at others going about their other normal day-to-day pursuits like tending cows.

*Wall paintings of the Western Hijmalaya by Dr.Mira Seth (1976),(page,75-77.)

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