Description

Antique Indian Kangra School miniature painting of Annapoorani Amman. A scene where Annapurna (the goddess of Nourishment and a manifestation of Parvati) seated on a throne, gives food to her consort, Shiva.

The story goes that Shiva challenged the need for all materialistic things including food. Parvati, in order to prove to Shiva that food was essential (especially to his followers) disappeared, creating a state of famine. Humans and gods suffered. Shiva went in search of Parvati and found her feeding gods and humans in Kashi, the last kitchen.

Here Shiva is begging for food from the goddess Annapurna (Parvati), his alms bowl outstretched. The crowned goddess sits on a throne under a golden umbrella, holding a ladle with which she spoons nourishment into Shiva’s bowl.
Painted in gouache pigments and gold on paper.

Dimensions: 10 3/4″ high x 13 5/8″ wide