I’ve always been fascinated by the hidden gems of our culture, the ancient traditions that are slowly fading away. But this time, my journey took me to the grand Kumbh Mela, where I met someone truly special – Shri Raghupati Bhatta Ji, one of the last Vedic artists of Bharat.
I had heard about him before, but meeting him in person was a completely different experience. His presence was calm yet powerful, like he carried centuries of wisdom within him. As we sat down, I asked him my first question, “Sir, what is Vedic art?”
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The Forgotten Art of the Vedas
With a gentle smile, he began, “Vedic art is an ancient form of painting that follows the knowledge written in the Vedas. It is based on specific measurements found in scriptures. Human figures are divided into five types: Hamsa, Bhadra, Malavya, Ruchika, and Shashaka. These are measured in fingers, with Hamsa being the highest category, including deities like Shiva and Vishnu.”
I listened in awe as he described how colors in Vedic art were not chosen randomly but followed a sacred system. “There are five primary colors – white, red, yellow, green, and black. These colors are also mentioned in the Puranas. Each color has a significance. White represents purity, red symbolizes energy, yellow stands for knowledge, green signifies prosperity, and black represents time and destruction. When an artist paints, these meanings are kept in mind to create a divine balance.”
He went on to explain that every line, every symbol in the painting has a reason. “Nothing in Vedic art is meaningless. The eyes of the deities are drawn in a specific way to indicate their spiritual power. The ornaments, the posture, even the size of the hands and feet convey different messages.”
A Secret Language in Paintings
What fascinated me the most was when he spoke about the secret language hidden in Vedic paintings. “The weapons of deities, their postures, and their expressions all have a deeper meaning. A raised hand can signify blessings or protection. A conch shell symbolizes sound energy, while a lotus represents purity. The knowledge behind these symbols is mostly lost, but I have learned it from ancient texts and my Gurus.”
I asked him where he had learned this rare art. “Not in schools,” he replied. “I studied in a Gurukul, where I learned how to make colors, brushes, and canvases. Most importantly, I learned how to stabilize a painting so it lasts for centuries.”
He then demonstrated how natural colors are made. “We extract red from minerals, yellow from turmeric, green from leaves, and black from soot. These colors do not fade easily and remain vibrant for generations. This is why old Vedic paintings still look fresh.”
A Spiritual Practice
One thing that truly amazed me was the connection between Vedic art and spirituality. “Before I start painting, I meditate. I close my eyes and see the painting in my mind. This practice took me 12 years to master. Once you understand the language of painting, everything becomes easier.”
I asked if this method was written in the Vedas. He nodded, “Yes, everything is from the scriptures. My ancestors used to write on palm leaves. My father was a priest. Our family has been connected to Vedic knowledge for generations. This is not just painting; it is a sadhana, a spiritual discipline.”
He spoke about the importance of a pure mind while painting. “If an artist’s thoughts are impure, the painting will not have the same energy. That is why in ancient times, painters followed strict disciplines before they started their work.”
Western Influence and the Future of Vedic Art
I couldn’t help but ask, “Why is this art not widely known?”
He sighed, “Western art has taken over. Indian art does not get the recognition it deserves. There should be more schools teaching Vedic art. People today are more focused on modern, abstract styles. Our ancient knowledge is being forgotten.”
But when I asked about its future, his eyes shone with hope. “There will always be artists. My daughter, my son-in-law, and even my 10-year-old son are learning this art. This is India. When one artist leaves, another takes his place. The tradition will continue.”
He mentioned that some students have started showing interest. “They come from different parts of the country to learn from me. It gives me hope that Vedic art will survive. We just need more awareness and support.”
A Vision at the Kumbh Mela
I asked him about his experience at the Kumbh Mela. “Kumbh is not just about bathing in the Ganga. It is about knowledge, art, and spiritual growth. When I saw the Naga Sadhus, their appearance reminded me of Vedic times. The fire, the chants, the devotion – it was all like a painting come to life.”
He then shared a unique experience. “One night at the Mela, I closed my eyes and meditated. I saw a divine vision of a grand temple with golden deities. The next morning, I started painting that vision. It felt as if the universe was guiding my hand. Such moments remind me that this art is not just human creativity; it is a blessing from the divine.”
Before leaving, I asked him about his favorite painting. “Vishwaroop,” he said proudly. “I have painted it a hundred times, each time discovering something new. It is a reminder that the universe is vast and filled with infinite wisdom.”
As I walked away, I realized how special this conversation was. Vedic art is not just painting; it is meditation, it is knowledge, and it is a connection to something divine.
Meeting Raghupati Bhatta Ji was not just an interview, it was an experience, a journey into a forgotten world. And now, I feel a deep responsibility to share his story with the world. Let’s not allow this ancient wisdom to fade away.
Would you like to see Vedic art being revived? Let me know in the comments. And if you want to explore more such stories, follow ShivaTells on YouTube!
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