In the Absence of Jagannatha

Book Details

• Author: Eberhard Fischer

• Publisher: Niyogi Books

• Language: English

• Edition: First Edition

• ISBN: 9789381523346

• Pages: 116

• Cover: Hardcover

About the Book

Anasara Pati-Paintings: The Ritual Art of Lord Jagannatha by Eberhard Fischer is a profound exploration into the world of a unique religious art form that serves a significant role in the temples of Lord Jagannatha in Puri and South Orissa. This meticulously researched book presents a “micro art history study” of anasara pati-paintings, which are produced annually as temporary replacements for wooden icons in temples, playing an essential part in the worship and rituals dedicated to Lord Jagannatha.

The first part of the book carefully examines all known examples of these ritualistic paintings, highlighting the strict iconographic traditions that artists must adhere to. Despite the rigid framework, the book identifies subtle variations, personal liberties, and the role of these deviations in the perpetuation of the religious and artistic traditions. Fischer goes on to unravel the complexities of this art form, addressing the co-existence of two different iconographies for the Jagannatha triad and exploring the historical reasons behind the creation and enduring existence of these painted triptychs.

Richly insightful and thoroughly engaging, this book not only documents the technicalities of anasara pati-paintings but also delves into the cultural and spiritual significance behind their evolution, offering a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of art, religion, and tradition.