Manidwipa

As narrated in the Devi Bhagwat, an important scripture on Shakti Upasana, Ma Bhuvaneshwari is considered the most important deity in Devi worship. Her heavenly abode,  “The Manidwipa” consists of 18 strongholds of which the central celestial palace, “Chintamanigruh” is where she resides.

After deep meditation and contemplation while reading the scriptures on the auspicious occasion of Navratri, I visualized a scene of Mother Bhuvaneshwari astride Lord Bhuvaneshwar Mahadev (Lord Shiva) in all her  

divine energy emerging, enlightening and engulfing the entire Universe. 

The four tutelary deities of the hindu religion, Lord Brahma (The Creator),  Lord Vishnu (The Preserver), Lord Shiva (The Destroyer) and Devraj Indra (King of the heavens) symbolically represent the four pillars of hindu dharma and  are depicted as upholding the Singhasana ( throne) upon which Ma is seated.  

From her divine energy emanates the three primal goddesses, MahaKali, MahaLaxmi and MahaSaraswati as befitting counterparts to the holy trinity and in her presence for a thousand years they received spiritual guidance on the creation, existence and destruction of the universe from time to time. Note:- The Indian Baithak (Sitting arrangements) includes the various traditional needlecrafts of India.

Around the Sanctum Sanctorum, there are four Mandapas (Pillared Halls) each depicting different aspects of life. 

Shringara Mandapa meaning luxurious living, here palatial interiors from the French renaissance period is depicted in the painting. 

Gyan Mandapa meaning knowledge, depicted in the form of a unique half circular library painted on the lines of a French Chateau.

Mukti Mandapa meaning enlightenment through divine worship in the form of music and dance. Here depicted on wooden carvings of goddesses performing different dance forms. (Sanctuary of hope Thailand)

Ekant Mandap meaning salvation. Here the grey areas in the background, symbolizing total merger with the divine energy.

Offerings are an important form of our worship. In the form of my art, I humbly offer all auspicious articles like the oil lamp, rice, coconut, floral garlands, scented water, an unique bouquet arrangement of flowers, fruits and vegetables (Inspired by the Chelsea flower show UK), exquisite designs  of flowers made of gemstones inspired from leading European Jewellery Designer Houses. And finally, as a token of love this entire “Hrim Creations” (necklace), I offer at the lotus feet of the Shri Shri Ma Bhuvaneshwari. 

Location :- Amba Vilas Palace, Mysuru

Note :- Goddess Bhuvaneshwari is also the family goddess of the State of Mysore.