Ushus
is one of the primary Goddesses from the Vedic times and is the daughter
of the skies. She embodies Dawn and carries the mark of the sun on her forehead
in the form of a red bindi.
‘Ushus’,
my painting depicts one of India’s best recognised symbols – the Bindi... or
the pottu, tilak or teeka as it is known in different parts of the world or
even in different parts of India. For generations, the bindi has been the
most visually attractive of all forms (there are 16 of them in all) of
body decoration in India.
An
authentic kumkum bindi is of
special significance since turmeric is dried and coloured with a lime to give
the rich red colour; the colour known to symbolise power! However, it serves a higher purpose than just decorative.
The
spot on the forehead between the eyebrows where the bindi is applied, is the
location of the Āgnya Chakra which, in the language of yoga, is said
to be the major nerve center in the human body. According to ancient
Indian texts, the entire body emanates energy in the form of
electromagnetic waves. This is especially intense all over the forehead and even
more so, on the subtle spot between the eyebrows. That is why it is
believed that worry generates heat and causes a headache. The bindi cools
the forehead, protects us from stress and prevents energy loss.
I
decided to call the painting Ushus, after my mother, Usha, who I’ve always
known to sport a bindi on her forehead. Back when she lived in India, she used
to sport a large red bindi on her forehead. In fact, it was her one claim to
drama, when otherwise, she is fairly self effacing!
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