WHITE TĀRĀ: Saptalocanī

 

 

Saptalochanī means the "seven-eyed one." The words "sapta" and "locana" signify "seven" and "eyes" respectively. It is the name given to the goddess of deep maternal compassion, White Tārā. Three eyes are located on her face with one in the center of the forehead, on the palm of her each hand, and one each on the soles of her feet. The purity of her body, speech, and mind is symbolized by the three eyes on her face. Compassion, loving-kindness, joy, and serenity are the four limitless attributes of the bodhisattvas, which are represented by the eyes on her hands and feet.

White Tārā was born from the tears of Avalokiteśvara, the one who is compassionate when he feels extreme empathy for the suffering of sentient beings. White Tārā is prominent for her ability to provide the blessing of a long life. Her white complexion represents the "absence of the two veils: warring emotions and dualistic knowledge" as she sits in the vajraparyaṅka position, free of any emotional defilement. Her left-hand holds the utpala flower, and her right hand extends in varada mudrā, offering safety and relief to all suffering sentient creatures.

Tārā is one of the most popularly represented deities in art, and one falls into the risk of making “just another Tārā painting”. Samundra Man Singh Shrestha’s pursuit in this regard is seen to be more creative. His 2021 version of the same deity showcases the profoundness of his mastery in simplicity where viewers can witness the serenity and tranquility of the presence of the divine.

When traditional norms compel many artists to stick to a certain order of iconography and designs, Shrestha's work has been exploring the versions of what traditional art can evolve into in the future. This has provided him with a greater prospect in identification, concept, and stylization.

Saptalocani by Samundra Man Singh Shrestha is more than just a painting; it evokes a feeling. The feeling of unwavering love, dedication, compassion, beauty, elegance, and grace. Her soothing presence of compassion permeates the painting like a loving embrace. It is as though you are seeing the music rather than hearing it. The purpose of this artwork is not to display intricate external design. It is the artwork that both captures and creates a flow, a movement of wind, a streaming river, or a continuous time. The artist perfectly captures this with her flowing hair and the lotus that spirals into infinity from her hand. With her magnificent eyes radiating with unwavering love, the goddess's transcendental brilliance is captured in the delicate brushstrokes. The painting holds the observer's undivided attention and prevents them from drifting away from it. Her radiant smile is the serenity that develops into one's consciousness and forever marks one with pure energy. It is the pinnacle of beauty, beyond anything we can comprehend.