All the artworks belong to Mr. Santosh Kumar Sandilya
Satyam, Shivam, Sundaram—the spirits of truth, goodness, and beauty—permeate the essence of Kashi, also known as Varanasi, one of the world’s oldest cities and India’s spiritual heart. Santosh Kumar Sandilya brings this spirit to life through his sacred artwork, Place of Shiva. He transports us to the revered ghats of Banaras, a dwelling where Shiva resides alongside his devoted mount and gatekeeper, Nandi. The break of dawn bathes the scenery in a golden-vermilion hue. The lifelike representation of the vigraha grounds the mystical artwork in the living reality of Kashi, the city of light. Refracted sunlight dances over scattered flower petals on the checkered temple floor, remnants of the previous day’s ritualistic offerings. The pillared shrine opens to its surroundings, drawing our attention to the middle ground, where numerous boats—traditional hand-rowed open boats, motorboats, and even Bajra boats—are either in motion or moored along the banks of the holy river Ganga. A legacy of ancient buildings lines the riverbank, stretching to the horizon of the artwork, seemingly merging with the heavens. A series of steps leads to the river, where people can be seen boarding boats, while others ascend or descend the stairs. Semi-realistic painterly touches blend detailed elements of the idols and architectural features with loose, impressionistic strokes in the background and water. The background of the artwork reflects the vastness of the city. Unfurled flags of multiple colors flutter in the misty, hazy morning light. Sages mount the steps after finishing their morning ritualistic bath, while others arrive to enjoy the view of the great city of Varanasi. The hustle and bustle are absent in the foreground, where Shiva silently watches over his devotees, ever serene and peaceful. Every aspect is symbolic: Ganga, the purifying mother, cleanses her devotees of their sins; the stone steps represent the progression of the soul through the life cycle; and the city stands still, its venerable, intricately designed, towering architectural buildings standing erect as guardians. It is said to be the city of liberation, where dying is believed to bring salvation from the cycle of birth and rebirth. The warmth of the color palette—browns, ochres, and deep reds—clashes with the blues of the water and the sky, with its gradient of colors. The expressive brushstrokes further accentuate the depth of the artwork.
Santosh Kumar Sandilya eloquently captures the mystical, spiritual essence of Banaras. The blend of realism and impressionism evokes the convergence of reality and the mystical nature of this sacred, ancient city. Atmospheric perspective illuminates the vastness and depth of the artwork, reflecting the artist’s reverence for his faith and homeland. Place of Shiva invites its admirers to meditate on Kashi as the sacred space where truth, goodness, and beauty converge, bestowing liberation from the illusion of pain and suffering.
