THE WORSHIP OF SHIVA PANCHANA

Shiva Panchanana seated regally with Parvati - holding his attributes on a lotus bed within an elaborate gold dais under a golden jeweled domed pavilion. The Sikh Maharaja Ranbir Singh (1830-85) stands respectfully in devotion to the Lord, also attended by Kartikeya and Ganesha.  Below them dancers, kinnaras (celestial horse-headed musicians) Shiva, rishis and Devas celebrate.

Maharaja Ranbir Singh succeeded his father Gulab Singh as ruler of  Jammu and Kashmir in 1857 and reigned until his death in 1885.  His profile was quite distinctive with his upwardly pointing mustachio and Dogra-style rounded turban.  He is pictured here with his palms pressed together respectfully, in the presence of Shiva and Parvati.

Refer to Archer W.G., Paintings of the Sikhs, London, 1966, cat 57-60. For a general discussion on Sikh painting refer to B. N. Goswamy and Caron Smith, I See No Stranger: Early Sikh Art and Devotion, Rubin Museum of Art, New York, 2006.