Bhagavata Painting of Odisha: A Forgotten Artistic Tradition

Odisha is home to a rich and diverse artistic heritage, with traditional painting styles that have evolved over centuries. Among them, Bhagavata Painting is a lesser-known yet historically significant art form, deeply woven into the region’s religious and cultural fabric. These paintings bring to life scenes from the Bhagavata Purana, a sacred text that tells the story of Lord Krishna’s life and divine exploits.

Once an integral part of Jagannath temples, Bhagavata paintings were more than just decorative—they served as a means of visual storytelling and spiritual teaching. However, over time, they have faded into obscurity, overshadowed by the more famous Pattachitra style and other mainstream art forms. This article explores the history, techniques, themes, and cultural significance of Bhagavata painting while also shedding light on the challenges threatening its survival today.

Bhagavata paintings date back to medieval Odisha, a time when Vaishnavism was flourishing under the patronage of the Ganga and Gajapati dynasties. The establishment of the Jagannath Temple in Puri in the 12th century was a turning point in the region’s cultural and religious history, sparking a renewed emphasis on devotional art. Like many temple arts, Bhagavata paintings were created not just for decoration but as a way to teach religious stories and deepen devotion.

These paintings thrived in Odisha’s temples, especially in Puri, where they adorned walls, religious manuscripts, and ceremonial objects. Closely tied to the rituals and traditions of the Jagannath cult, they visually captured the mythology and spiritual essence of Lord Krishna’s divine pastimes, making them an integral part of temple life.

Bhagavata paintings stand out for their unique iconography, composition, and rich use of color. Unlike Pattachitra, which is typically painted on cloth or dried palm leaves, Bhagavata paintings were often found on temple walls, wooden panels, and even as large-scale murals. Artists used natural pigments made from minerals, plant extracts, and charcoal, giving the paintings their vibrant hues and remarkable durability.

The color palette of Bhagavata paintings is deeply rooted in traditional Indian aesthetics, with each hue carrying symbolic meaning. Red represents energy and divine power, while yellow is linked to knowledge and purity. Blue, often used to depict Krishna, signifies divinity, and green symbolizes nature and fertility. White and black are used to create balance and contrast within the composition.

Artists sourced these colors from nature, using materials like indigo, turmeric, minerals, and plant-based dyes. These pigments were mixed with a binding agent to ensure they lasted over time. For the fine detailing that defines these paintings, brushes were crafted from animal hair or natural fibers, allowing for precision and intricate designs.

Bhagavata paintings draw most of their inspiration from the Bhagavata Purana, with a strong focus on Krishna’s childhood and youthful adventures. Some of the most commonly depicted scenes include:

• Krishna’s Birth and Childhood (Balya Lila) – Moments like Vasudeva carrying baby Krishna across the Yamuna and the infant Krishna defeating demons like Putana and Trinavarta.
• Krishna in Vrindavan (Gopala Lila) – His playful and mischievous acts, such as stealing butter, teasing the Gopis, and lifting Govardhana Hill to protect the villagers.
• Ras Leela and Divine Romance – Krishna dancing with the Gopis, especially Radha, symbolizing the soul’s deep longing for the divine.
• Krishna’s Battles and Divine Acts – Iconic moments like Krishna slaying Kansa, his role in the Mahabharata, and delivering the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna.
• Dasavatara (The Ten Incarnations of Vishnu) – Many Bhagavata paintings also feature Vishnu’s ten avatars, linking Krishna’s divine role to the larger Vaishnavite tradition.

These paintings bring these stories to life, not just as artistic expressions but as visual narratives that deepen devotion and spiritual understanding.

The Jagannath Temple in Puri, the heart of Odishan Vaishnavism, has been instrumental in preserving Bhagavata paintings. These artworks were never just for decoration—they played a vital role in temple rituals, festivals, and religious storytelling. They covered temple walls, ceilings, and even the massive chariots used in the Rath Yatra, bringing sacred stories to life for devotees. Since many people were illiterate, these paintings served as a powerful visual medium to help them connect with religious teachings.

Priests and Maharis (traditional temple dancers) often used these paintings to aid in storytelling, making them an essential part of temple education. More than just art, Bhagavata paintings helped pass down spiritual knowledge, reinforcing devotion and a shared sense of faith within the community.

Despite its rich history and cultural importance, Bhagavata painting has gradually faded into obscurity, overshadowed by the more popular Pattachitra style. Several factors have contributed to its decline:

• Loss of Patronage – With the fall of royal dynasties and a decline in temple support, the demand for Bhagavata paintings dwindled.
• The Rise of Pattachitra – Unlike Bhagavata paintings, Pattachitra is more portable and commercially viable, which helped it gain wider recognition while Bhagavata art was left behind.
• Lack of Documentation – Unlike other traditional art forms, Bhagavata painting was never systematically documented or studied, making it easier for it to fade from public memory.
• Modernization and Urbanization – As modern art and contemporary aesthetics took center stage, traditional styles like Bhagavata painting were increasingly neglected.

Without intervention, this once-flourishing art form risks being forgotten entirely.

In recent years, there has been a growing effort to revive Odisha’s lesser-known art forms, including Bhagavata painting. Several initiatives could help bring this fading tradition back to life:

• Government and Institutional Support – Cultural organizations, art institutions, and government bodies need to step up by funding, documenting, and promoting Bhagavata paintings.
• Temple Restoration Projects – Preserving and restoring temple murals can draw attention to this nearly forgotten art form and help keep it alive.
• Public Awareness and Exhibitions – Exhibitions, workshops, and seminars can spark interest and inspire young artists to explore Bhagavata painting.
• Blending Tradition with Modern Art – Incorporating Bhagavata motifs into contemporary art, textiles, and digital media could make it more relevant to today’s audience.

With the right support and awareness, this beautiful tradition has the potential to thrive once again.

Bhagavata painting is a hidden treasure within Odisha’s rich artistic heritage, deeply rooted in the spiritual and aesthetic traditions of Vaishnavism. Though it has been overshadowed by more popular styles, it remains a significant visual tradition that deserves recognition and revival. With dedicated efforts in conservation, education, and artistic innovation, this art form can reclaim its place in India’s vibrant cultural landscape.

To keep Bhagavata painting from disappearing, art historians, cultural enthusiasts, and policymakers must come together to preserve and promote it. If given the attention it deserves, this remarkable tradition can continue to inspire generations to come.