Category: Gallery

IMAGE EIGHT.

VERSE NO: 60 ( SRI BALA ANDHADHI).

TO INCREASE (SRI BALA’S) SUPPORT AS A LIFE COMPANION.

I think of you constantly while treading on this life-path
If your memory should by chance recede
Then, even sweet , sugar syrup will taste bitter
And milk turn into poison
My heart, burdened with sorrow shall burn with anguish
Desirous of catching a glimpse of your lovely face
And my restless mind
On mighty ocean waves will be tossed!

Bala’s Message:

“If you are destined to visit my Peetam even just once, I will surely bless you with abundant prosperity and good health for the rest of your life. I shall be a steadfast and constant companion as you tread on this journey called life. However, after you achieve all your desires, if you happen to forget Me, or stop coming to my Peetam, I will still be there at your side, but you will definitely feel the pangs of separation since you will never be able to see me as clearly as you did before. When I am constantly in your thoughts, I am also there in your heart. I talk to you every day, give you advice and guide you in your actions. Yet, when you forget me, no longer can you “hear” my voice, even though I am still talking to you. Instead, your mind will get agitated easily and all your negative traits will rush out to control your actions, now that I am no longer giving them orders!”

My thoughts on the painting:

There are two images of Sri Bala seated on a swing in this set of 13 auspicious images and this is one of them. Actually, I wasn’t very happy with the way this illustration turned out and drew the second image in order to replace it.

However, as per the instructions given by Bala herself, I have included this drawing in the set, since Bala has chosen a verse in the Andhadhi to accompany it.

Just as the swing moves gently to and fro, coming nearer towards you and then, instantly receding backwards, so too are our thoughts regarding Bala!
She is telling me this right now as I am typing up the explanation.

I was going to put in the phrase “ just as the swing represents by its gentle, swaying motion, the ups and downs of life”.

But, Bala stopped me in my thoughts.

“I want you to write that the swing and its movement represents ME coming nearer and closer to you and then immediately going away from you as well”.
But why? I wondered. “Why should you keep up this illusion of being with a devotee and then vanish for a second; and then come back once more?” How long will you do this?

I don’t know what made me ask this question.
The answer from Bala:

My devotees are of two varieties. One lot think of me constantly and are totally devoted. In their hearts, I am solidly present and they know it too! However, the second set of people are a vacillating lot. I come close to them and grant their desires and then recede. I come again, closer to them, the next time they place a request at my feet. I will always satisfy my devotees’ desires, so both sets of people need not worry. However, “I” will only permanently reside in the heart of that person who constantly is engrossed in my thought and talks to me from his heart “believing” fully that I am living there. I will be a constant, life-companion to those devotees who fall into this group”.

Sri Bala Charanam.

These are true words and Bala, that delightful child-Goddess will become united with you when you reach this state of non-duality!

February 24, 2009.

SRI BALA CHARANAM.
SEVENTH IMAGE.

VERSE NO: 56 ( SRI BALA ANDHADHI).

TO OBTAIN VICTORY IN EVERYTHING!

Travel in all eight cardinal directions, fearlessly
Attaining victory in all pursuits
Defeat all evil tendencies with the support of this Child so pure
Declare with conviction “Bala is the deity supreme in this Kali Yuga”
“ We surrender completely at her feet, at all times”
Proclaim this message to everyone!

Bala’s Message:

“To obtain a successful resolution in any situation you have to put in both hard work and effort. However, don’t think that your intelligence or ability alone achieves the result. You need my divine support for success in every task you undertake in life. Don’t show off to me your talent and skill. I know you and the amount of intelligence you possess. Show me instead your love and you will see your life beginning to prosper. Submit your love and dedication at my feet. Then travel wherever life takes you. Study hard, work with diligence and you can carve out a life where I will be with you at every step, like a shadow, supporting you, protecting you , advising you and above all holding you when you take a fall. Many are the battles you will face in life. When you come into my circle of grace, all these can be won without any effort on your part”.

My thoughts on the painting:

This drawing is the customary depiction of Sri Bala seated on a lotus with four hands , holding a book and sacred beads in two of her hands; the boon- giving and fear- dispelling gestures in the other two hands, respectively. It was Sri Bala’s desire to be portrayed in this style because she appears to her devotees here as the supreme Child Goddess who is taking complete charge of their lives. Both the advancement in material pursuits as well as spiritual pursuits are symbolized by this icon.

Sri Bala Charanam.

With Bala herself guiding you from within your heart, you can certainly emerge victorious in every situation!

February 23rd, 2009

SRI BALA CHARANAM

SIXTH IMAGE.

VERSE NO: 47 ( SRI BALA ANDHADHI).

TO REMOVE MALEFIC EFFECTS OF THE NINE PLANETS ( NAVAGRAHAS).

Can a day be classified as either auspicious or not?
Can mal alignment of planets in horoscopes really affect your life?
When you enter the Peetam where Bala reigns with happiness and childish joy
Diseases can never bother you
Even a poisonous scorpion will exit from this place
Emitting sweet honey, instead!
All sorrow and worries, will walk out
Murmuring in protest as they fully disappear from your life!

BALA’S MESSAGE:

“ Never entertain Fear in your hearts when I am here to take care of you. When I am trying to enter your heart and sit there, how can you entertain an unwelcome guest? Banish all fears and worries. Don’t fall into the trap of astrologers and soothsayers who point out various defects in your horoscope and ask you to perform innumerable rituals to negate the adverse effects of planets in your life. Believe in me. Come to my peetam and get instantly cured of all your diseases and worries. I know what is affecting you now. I am also aware of what is going to happen to you in the future. Whatever happens to you in this lifetime, after you have reached my feet, will be entirely in my hands. Whatever I give, no one can prevent. Remember, whatever I don’t grant, none can give you!”

My thoughts on the painting.

This is a painting of Sri Bala in her “kavacham”. There is an interesting story about how this tiny armour or “kavacham”, studded with precious stones, was given to Sri Bala Peetam. Sri Bala appeared in the dream of a devout person living in Coimbatore and requested him to make this tiny dress for her in gold, embellished with stones. Now, this man had never been to Nemili and had no idea of the exact size of this tiny , sacred image of Sri Bala. However, he did make a small, stiff, skirt-like ornament, with the two hands stretched downwards, as you can see in my drawing. He brought it all the way to Sri Bala Peetam. It was no surprise that this Kavacham was a perfect fit!
It was Sri Bala’s specific request that I should paint her in this posture, standing on a shining, golden lotus. The moment I finished this painting and stepped back to view it, Sri Bala seemed to come to life and gave me a fleeting, mischievous smile! This is one of my favourite paintings in the set of 13 images I have completed!

Sri Bala Charanam.

Absolutely no doubt that Sri Bala is completely “alive” in this image. Ask her whatever you want and it shall be granted immediately!

February 22, 2009.
SRI BALA CHARANAM.

SRI BALA CHARANAM.

FIFTH IMAGE

VERSE NO: 26 (SRI BALA ANDHADHI)

FOR MIRACLES TO HAPPEN.

Remain steadfast in her memory every single day
Consuming like food, her glorious name without tiring
Bring peace and calm into your restless mind
Chanting her kavacham, a medicine most potent
Then forget all your problems,
Like offering a grand feast surrender your very self to her
And hasten to watch with amazement all her awe inspiring miracles!

Bala’s message:

“ Whoever thinks of me constantly and attributes all his actions and their results as a consequence of my grace is indeed very dear to me. The devotee who goes through each day contemplating on me every moment, he who says my name with each breath he takes, he who casts aside all the derisions and mocking of people around him and stays forever loving me and wishing to serve me, this person has all my grace and more. The devotee who reads my kavacham every day will be instantly protected and cured from all his suffering and anguish. For the simple, pure hearted souls who are totally immersed in my thought, I shall cause miracles to happen in their lives!”

My thoughts on the painting.

I felt that Sri Bala had to appear most regal in this drawing. Indeed, like a huge ray of sunshine, she emerges in this image to obliterate all our worries and to protect her very dear devotees.I got the strong mental suggestion to draw her in a green skirt. Both her eyes and hands have enormous power in this particular image. Surrendering at her tiny, holy feet will surely bring everyone mental clarity and peace of mind.

Sri Bala Charanam.

Sometimes when we feel overwhelmed by negative thoughts or face a situation that seems hopeless, we get weaker in mind and spirit. Depression sets in. By looking at this image and reading Sri Bala Kavacham ( written by Kavignar Sri Nemili Ezhilmani), all problems will vanish; answers will be found; and miraculous events will happen to put you on the path of total devotion to Sri Bala.

February 21, 2009.

SRI BALA CHARANAM.

FOURTH IMAGE

VERSE NO: 19 ( SRI BALA ANDHADHI)

TO DESTROY ADVERSARIES:

Oh beautiful lady who speaks the truth
Your face will surely destroy all foes
There’s no need to conduct complex rituals or get mentally disturbed
Our bodies are like sacrificial pits and when we pour into it daily
Bala’s songs as oblations with devotion unsullied
Certainly salvation can be attained!

Bala’s Message:

“Like the rising sun I have arrived in this world to give you energy and sustenance. The heat I emanate will burn away to ashes all your adversaries and enemies. Once you have come seeking for me, I shall lead you slowly closer and closer towards understanding my true nature! Sing my songs with complete devotion and faith. Each one of the songs I have given you will solve a particular problem. No more do you need to perform complicated rituals or visit a hundred temples seeking peace of mind. Pray for the welfare of others and I shall take care of you. Perform a homam in your house. Except, make sure my songs are the oblations! Doing this daily will elevate you to unimaginable heights. I love to hear my songs sung with fondness. I myself will come and sit on your lap and smooth all your worries and defeat all your enemies. Do not doubt this!”

My thoughts on the painting.

My intention was to draw the image of Bala as she is seen in her sacred abode, i.e. as a tiny figure hidden under the billowing folds of a circular skirt. However, it was Sri Bala’s choice that I should project her face, almost as if in close up, without displaying either the Peetam or her skirt.
I was asked to use orange color for the backdrop and looking back , I feel this was because of the imagery of both sun and heat that Sri Bala had planned to use!

Sri Bala Charanam.

There is a powerful symbolism attached to both the verse chosen as well as this picture. Surely, truth has to triumph in this world and everything that serves as an obstacle to establishing Dharma has to perish. Sri Bala’s seeming insistence on “destroying” or “vanquishing” enemies reiterates the importance of mental purity, good values as well as the removal or destruction of all bad traits within ourselves. Above all, the emphasis here is to strive for the upliftment and welfare of others!

SRI BALA CHARANAM.

February 20, 2009.

SRI BALA CHARANAM.

THIRD IMAGE

VERSE NO: 16 ( SRI BALA ANDHADHI)

TO OBTAIN PEACE OF MIND.

Thinking of you will bring instant calmness
A fleeting glance of your face will instantly destroy all evil
Bringing unmeasured happiness that causes hearts to overflow with divine nectar-like grace
Obliterating all weakness and faults and
Blessing all with peace and tranquility.

Sri Bala’s message:

“I am your salvation and refuge. I am here to love you, support you and transform you into a better person. Instantly banish all your negative thoughts and evil intentions. Lead a life of high moral values, helping those around you to prosper. You will then realize that your worries and anxieties will fade into insignificance. Your mind will be still and calm as a pond without ripples. I am here to take care of all your enemies both within yourself in the form of negative traits as well as those around you who wish to harm you. Don’t ever despair or allow yourself to be frightened by any situation or person. I am here to extend complete and total protection for you and your entire family. My love shall so completely fill your heart that your mind will never be perturbed by anything, anymore!”

My thoughts on the painting:

In this painting, I was subconsciously trying to “copy” the face of Sri Bala’s image that has been drawn as a mural on the wall at the Nemili Peetam by an artist many decades ago. I understand this artist had modeled his image on a couple of young girls living, at that time, in this sacred house. My attempt can never come close to the beautiful face drawn by this artist . However, I do think that in this image, Sri Bala’s presence and power is very tangible. Also, I finished painting very rapidly, almost as if Sri Bala wanted me to “hurry” with it.

Sri Bala Charanam.

A mere glance at this glowing image should get rid of all your doubts, fears and anxieties. Banished are all your enemies ! No longer can bad habits make you a slave nor can those with cruel or evil intentions harm you. This drawing is almost like an armor or Kavacham.

SRI BALA THUNAI.
FEBRUARY 19TH, 2009.

Second Image Of Sri Bala 

 

Spiritual Vision Art by Uma Kumar

Spiritual Vision Art by Uma Kumar
Gallery 1: Bala, B & W