Leaf from Illuminated Manuscript of the Jnaneshvari (Primary Title)
Shiva and Vishnu Embrace (Verso Title)
Unknown (Artist)
This dramatic page illustrates the Jnaneshvari’s introduction to Book Eleven of the Gita, in which Arjuna experiences Krishna’s cosmic, all-encompassing form. Describing the emotions evoked by this vision, the author, Jnanadeva, writes, “But here tranquility and wonder predominate, like Hari and Hara affectionately embracing each other.” Thus, in the painting’s upper register, the ash-smeared Hindu god Shiva (Hara), embodiment of the universe’s destructive energy, joins with its preserver, the blue-skinned Vishnu (Hari). Below, adoring animals, deities, and humans witness the cosmic integration. The verse’s conclusion is illustrated in the decorative border above: “These two feelings are united here, just as on the day of the new moon the orbs of the sun and the moon meet.”
Some object records are not complete and do not reflect VMFA's full and current knowledge. VMFA makes routine updates as records are reviewed and enhanced.