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The description in English of the painting on this webage is the definitive description. Any translation using Google translate is a guide only - its accuracy cannot be guaranteed and it is used at your own risk.

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Folio from a Yoga Shashtra manuscript: Vayu Tattva. Jaipur, circa 1800. Opaque water-colour with gold on wasli. 25.7 x 18.8cm

Near the end pf the pre-Christian era the sage Patanjali introduced a treatise on  yoga called Yoga Shastra. In it the body is said to be composed of pancha tattva (five elements) - earth, water, fire, air, and ether. With yoga they are able to be balanced for the benefit of the individual. Fire is said to take matter as fuel and transform it into energy. This tattva's swami (lord) is the god of air, Vayu, seen here in his chariot pulled by gazelles. Beside him sits his consort Anjana. Together they are the parents of Hanuman.

Thanks to the kindness of Tarun Pant for his translations and information.

Inventory: 000888

Above: gilt detail reflecting light

Images and text © Peter Blohm