Kalakriti

Charcoal work
Size: 15.5 by 18.5 inches
 
This charcoal masterpiece reverently pays homage to the revered Chang Vateshwar temple nestled in the tranquil surroundings of Saswad. Dedicated to the esteemed 13th-century yogi, Changa Dev, this temple's serene location near the banks of the Karha river imparts a sense of profound peace and spiritual resonance. As a grand edifice of the Maratha empire, the Changadeva temple boasts a majestic architectural layout comprising the sacred sanctum (garbhagṛiha), antechamber (antarāḷa), assembly hall (sabhāmaṇḍapa), and entrance porch (mukhamaṇḍapa). Step inside the sacred space of the assembly hall, and you are greeted by a breathtaking sight: towering pillars intricately adorned with delicate carvings. These pillars, numbering four pūrṇastambhas and twelve ardhastambhas, stand as testament to the unparalleled craftsmanship of the artisans of yore. Their bases bear enchanting engravings, a testament to the amalgamation of diverse cultural influences, including subtle hints of Indo-Islamic artistry.