Gangadhar Shiva Acrylic and Dyes on Paper Madhubani Painting, ‘Gangadhar Shiva’

The river Ganges is as majestic as a Hindu deity–that is why it is actually personified as Ganga, the goddess of purification and forgiveness. In this striking folk painting done in classic Madhubani style, renowned Indian artist Bharti Dayal recreates the legend of Shiva holding Ganga on his head to let an outlet for the river to flow freely and reach all humans with its purifying water. God Shiva is known by the name of Gangadhar in this representation created with acrylic paint and vegetable dyes on handmade paper.