Goddesses / Shakti Swaroop

This work is inspired by my fascination with the worship of Kumari as a Living Goddess in Nepalese culture. While witnessing these rituals, I was deeply moved by the devotion surrounding the Kumari — the way she was worshipped, the life she lived in seclusion, her elaborate dress, her distinctive hair, and the powerful third eye painted upon her forehead. At the same time, I felt a sense of sadness at not being able to fully understand the histories and meanings behind many of the rituals I encountered. During the celebration of Indra Jatra, I felt especially overwhelmed, as though I had entered the presence of the divine itself. That profound spiritual experience inspired me to portray deities in my artworks, leading me to revisit and sketch the Navadurgas, much as I had done in my childhood. Through this composition, I attempt to capture the mystical atmosphere, sacred energy, and living traditions that continue to shape the spiritual identity of Kathmandu Valley.