Monday, September 28, 2009

Onam Pookalams

With Onam comes in a plethora of floral carpets. Here is an attempt to fuse in pookalam and kolam...
















Wednesday, March 11, 2009

The Peacocks' Gaze


Adorned with gracefully outflowing leaves and flowers, the floral patterns radiate palpable energy. The majestic pair of peacocks gracefully gazing lend a supreme leverage to the kolam. 
 

Quadra Convergence

This kolam has knitted together the traditionally used quadrasided kolam. The basic quadra angled pattern forms the underlying stroke of the kolam, and gives way to strong and sharp defining boundaries. 

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Mangala Dayakam

Ayyappa is the divine conglomeration of "Sthithi" (Existence) and "Samharam" (Destruction) .
Before one can attain unision with this conglomerated spirit, one has to overcome 18 qualities in life, depicted as the 18 sacred steps in Sabarimala temple. The symbolism of these 18 steps is as follows:-
The first five steps symbolise the five human senses (Panchendriyas) i.e. visual (vision), auditory (hearing), olfactory (smell), gustatory (taste) and tactile (touch). These signify the `mortal' nature of one's body.
The next eight steps symbolise the eight Ashtaragas viz, Kama, Krodha, Lobha, Moha, Madha, Maltsarya, Asooya, Dhumb (Love, Anger, Avarice, Lust, Pride, Unhealthy Competition, Jealousy and Boastfulness).
The next three steps stand for three Gunas or Thrigunas (nature-born qualities) i.e. Satva, ( perspicuity, discernment) , Rajas (activity, enjoyment) and Thamas (inactivity, stupor).
The last two steps represent Vidya (Knowledge) and Avidya (Ignorance)

With the base of the kolam being the traditional Kanya kolam, the intricately well knitted designs give a compact and slender feel. The long and bold flower patterns give a finishing finale to this piece of art.



Karthika Vilakku

illaga viLakkadhu iruL keduppadhu
sollaga viLakkadhu sOdhi uLLadhu
pallaga viLakkadhu palarum kANbadhu
nallaga viLakkadhunamaccivAyavE
ல்லக விளக்கது ருள் கெடுப்பது
சொல்லக விளக்கது சோதி உள்ளது
பல்லக விளக்கது பலரும் காண்பது
நல்லக விளக்கது நமச்சிவாயவே
The lamp that is lit inside a house removes the darkness. It (namaSivAya) is praised as the
internal lamp. It is radiant. It is the lamp in many minds (- of devotees). It is sought by many
people (- the knowledge seekers). It is the good internal lamp (- the lamp that does good to
us). It is namaSivAya indeed.

--------- An excerpt from "namaccivayap padhigam" by Thirunavukkarasar

This kolam forms a befitting carpet for seating the lamps. Aligned with the theme of Karthika Vilakku, the kolam's outermost border adds a fine dash of radiance to it.





Navaratri Kolu

With symmetric steps on all sides, this kolam invokes the spirits of Navaratri.


Ananda Nadanam...

A dancing doll is the focus of this quadra-sided kolam. With beautifully designed tapering Gopurams and arch shapes, the kolam forms a simple yet elegant design.




Saturday, January 10, 2009

Surya Koti Sama Prabha

Supreme, radiant, Powerful - Sun is the undisputable entity around which all life on earth revolves.
This kolam, adorned with bold and radiating leaf patterns, symbolises the celestial King.



Ashta Dikpaalaka

Ashta Dikpalakas are the eight gods ruling the eight quarters or the eight zones of the universe. They are Indra (East), Agni(Southeast), Yama (South), Niruthi (Southwest), Varuna (West), Kubera (North) and Eesana (Northeast).
Each direction is assigned to a particular god as chief guardian ensuring orderliness of the universe and the protection of its occupants.
A kolam in praise of the beauty and harmony pervading all directions...

Kalyana Vaibhogam

Seetha Kalyana Vaibhogame...
Happy and ravishing kolams to welcome happy times.

Pazhani Aandavan Bhavani Varukiraan...

This colorful Kolam ushers the victorious chariot of Lord Muruga. வேல் ஆயுதம் and மயில் வசனம் give a sublime yet supreme reference to Lord Muruga.


Ardha Naareeshwaram

Beautifully interlocked rectangular lines unquestionably form the defining strokes of this piece of art. While the straight and bold lines add a sense of rigidness and masculinity, the curvy and tapering outer patterns render femininity and grace - So symbolic of the beautiful symbiotic existence of masculine and feminine forces in life, the true philosophy of `Ardha Naareeshwaram'.


He Hridaya Kamala Vaasi...

Cute little heart shaped petals form the base flower of this Kolam. The outermost border lines render a defining frame work to this kolam, standing elegantly on smooth pitch black floor.

Asaindaadum Mayil Ondru Kaanum..

The magnificent peacock pairs parched elegantly on the branches render astonishing symmetry to this kolam, and are definitely the eye stealers.