Original Indian Goddess Art - Maa Sharada
Medium: Print Only (Original Work in Not For Sale)
Orientation: Portrait
Size Info: 
Mini- 7.5” x 10” | 19cm x 25cm
Small- 12" x 16" I 30cm x 40cm
Medium- 18" x 24" I 45cm x 60cm
Large- 24" x 32" I 60cm x 80cm
My works of Kashmir continue to shape my artistic and spiritual vocabulary. In my two depictions of Maa Sharada, I see knowledge as both refuge and resistance.This work is my devoted offerings to the revered Goddess of Knowledge “Maa Sharada”-from the sacred land of Kashmir, who has been the guiding “Shakti” (strength) for me and my community. She has been the guardian, the eternal light that continues to guide us all. My community did not pick ammunition to fight back; instead, we chose voice, art and education as our armours to protect our lineage, faith, memory and continuity. Our people used the tools of Maa Sharada to continue to carry the stories of our land, language, lineage, culture and tradition- ensuring that what was nearly wiped out, continues to live, breathe, nurtured and be remembered, not only to exist but to return one day, with rightful dignity.
Text on the above painting is a Sanskrit verse, written in Sharada Lipi (original & indigenous script of Kashmir):
Namaste Shārade Devi, Kāshmira-Pura-Vāsini |
Tvām-Aham Prārthaye Nityam, Vidyā-Dānam Chā Dehi Me ||
Meaning:
Salutations to Devi Sharada, Whose abode is the land of Kāshmira (Kashmir).
To You, O Mother, I always pray (for Knowledge and Wisdom); 
Please bestow on me the gift of that Knowledge (which enlightens me from within), so I may sail and navigate with wisdom and grace, through this sacred journey called life.
The word “Kashmira”(Kashmir) is an old Sanskrit word derived from Kashyapa-Mira(lake). Revered Sage Kashyap derived the land from draining demon infested Satisar lake. He is considered the progenitor of life and key person in formalizing the Vedic culture in Kashmir at the beginning of the civilisation there. Kāshmira (Kashmir) doesn’t only refer to the geographical location. The esoteric meaning of it refers to the mind space or the seat of pure intellect. Hence, she dwells in the pure and aware mind, one who is willing and ready to receive. 
Maa Sharada- The One who did not leave us.