Pattachitra by Odisha artist gracefully depicts life of Lord Ram, Ayodhya Temple 

A wave of devotion, spirituality, and festivity is sweeping the entire country ahead of the Pran Pratistha ceremony for the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya on January 22.  

Nilamani Jena, a pattachitra (traditional scroll painting on clothes) artist from Mathasahi village of Satyabadi area in Puri district, is also soaked in devotion for Lord Ram. 

He along with his associates has gracefully and delicately depicted the magnificent Ram Temple in the centre of his pattachitra. Jena’s pattachitra also features the momentous life of Lord Ram – starting from his birth and childhood to his grand coronation.

Jena, who has made many pattachitras and is imparting training to younger generations, said, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi had taken a pattachitra based on Sri Jagannath temple. He mentioned about the art in his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ programme. When our President had come to Puri,  I had also offered her a pattachitra.”

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As for his latest pattachitra, the artist sounded emotional and said, “The length and breadth of the country are swept by waves of devotion and enthusiasm for the inauguration of the Lord Ram temple in Ayodhya. All are happy by lighting lamps. I thought it wise to make a pattachitra on the temple so that it would send out a message to devotees. People of Odisha will also get an inspiration.”

“The art focuses on the life of Lord Ram, his birth and exile. Many episodes such as the abduction of Maa Sita by Demon king Ravana, Lord Ram’s camaraderie with Sugriba and Lord Hanuman with whose help he defeated Lanka, and his return to Ayodhya are also depicted in the pattachitra,” he said.

Report by Himansu Mohapatra