Govardhanlalji sitting in prayer, holding a Rosary Bag

Govardhanlalji sitting in prayer, holding a Rosary Bag / prayer beads

by Unknown Artist
Nathdwara
circa 1930

Opaque watercolour on paper
14.5 x 11.5 in. (36.8 x 29.2 cm.)

There are several paintings of Govardhanlalji wherein he is shown going about his religious duties or portraits that highlight his exalted stature. There are very few portraits that depict his spiritual frame of mind. This is one such portrait based on a photograph by Laxmilal Jagannath Sharma of Ghasiram Studio.

Here, Govardhanlalji is shown, meditating holding a rosary bag in which rosary beads are dropped while saying a prayer. His head-dress is not his usual bejeweled turban but a simple cap as worn by ordinary priests. He is shown sitting on a mattress with his back against a bolster. In front of him are bajoth, kalash, tarbhanu, aachamani and pavalu, all used in prayer. It is this spiritual nature of Govardhanlalji that acts as beacon for the followers of Pushti Marg even today.

Reference photograph from which this painting was created

Reference photograph from which this painting was created