The Vedic Art Gallery displays art adapted from the Indian classical painting style. Subject depictions are based upon the ancient Vedic literatures (Veda means knowledge). In the 60’s, I met one of India’s foremost Sanskrit scholars and teachers of Bhakti Yoga, A C Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. He gave me the name Saradiya dasi, (Goddess of Autumn) and encouraged my artistic and spiritual leanings. My travels and studies throughout India in the 70’s and 80’s also contributed to my appreciation of this art style.

Each god and goddess is characterized by specific attributes and symbols. Lord Krishna is recognized by His blue color, yellow cloth, peacock feather, flute, His consort, Sri Radha, and His cows, the symbol of religiosity. Krishna’s different incarnations include Lord Nrsimghadeva and Lord Chaitanya. Lord Shiva holds a tandava drum, a trident, has the crescent moon and the Ganges River in his hair, and snakes for his jewelery. His consort is Parvati, also known as Uma, Durga, and Kali.

The paintings in the Vedic Art gallery are in temples and homes throughout the United Stares, South America, England, Germany, and India. Some have been displayed in art shows and museums, and some were published in the children’s series “The Stories of Krishna.”

The Vedic viewpoint espouses “Ahimsa” or non-violence and compassion for all sentient beings/ creatures, and a vegetarian lifestyle.