Varaaz Arts — Stories from the Studio
Finding Inner Peace Through Art: The Story Behind "An Ode to Purity"
Have you ever looked at a painting and felt an immediate sense of calmness? As an artist, my ultimate inspiration has always been exactly that: peace. I have always possessed a deep desire to express this through unique, meaningful forms. I am Varalakshmi Bharanidharan, and I found my true voice in Conceptual Mandala Art infused with Sacred Geometry. While that might sound complicated, it simply means I translate complex, profound spiritual ideas and the basic shapes of the universe into simple, beautiful visual forms that deeply connect with our inner consciousness.
Today, I want to take you behind the canvas of one of my favorite creations: a Tanjore painting titled "An Ode to Purity."
SOLD
"An Ode to Purity" — the finished painting.
The Importance of Tanjore Art
In creating this piece, I chose the rich tradition of Tanjore painting to bring the first verse of the Kanakadhara Stotram to life, deliberately utilizing it as a medium to celebrate divine beauty and grace.
Tanjore (or Thanjavur) art holds immense cultural and spiritual importance in South India, traditionally used for devotional icons and sacred artifacts. Its defining characteristics — the intricate use of 22-carat gold foil, rich colors, and semi-precious stones — create a breathtaking, three-dimensional luminescence. Choosing this historically reverent and visually radiant medium is what physically embodies the concept of "divine grace," making it the perfect, time-honored vessel for capturing the essence of spiritual texts.
Adding the gold detailing by hand, branch by branch.
It took two months from that first spark of inspiration to the final brushstroke — the geometry decided first, then every branch, bee, and petal built from it with the same slow, deliberate care.
A Visual Story of Devotion and Cosmic Harmony
When I envisioned this beautiful story of devotion, nature, and cosmic harmony, I knew I had to translate it onto canvas. Every element I carefully painted carries a deeply intentional story:
The Divine Foundation: Right at the heart of the artwork, I painted a majestic Tamala tree, which serves as a symbol of the Lord's physical form, radiating pure divinity into the world.
The Seekers: Buzzing around the tree's sturdy branches are golden honeybees, representing the devoted souls who are instinctively drawn to the sweet nectar of the divine.
Finding Stillness: A spiritual journey requires quietness. To represent the calming of our often restless human minds on this path, I included vibrant parrots among the leaves.
The Architecture of the Universe: I believe that sacred geometry provides the fundamental templates for all life in the Universe. To show this, I wove these mathematical expressions deeply into the art. You will notice a spinning torus, a shape that reflects the continuous, eternal cycle of life, alongside the geometric Seed of Life, which conveys a profound sense of absolute divine unity.
The Ultimate Truth: Finally, the piece is adorned with beautiful blooming lotus flowers, beautifully embodying the spiritual achievement of purity and graceful detachment from the material world.
Art That Transforms Your Space
Through this combination of traditional storytelling and the hidden geometric patterns of nature, my goal was to create a visual gateway that aligns our soul and spirit with the cosmos.
"An Ode to Purity" is more than just a painting; it's a living masterpiece where nature, devotion, and geometry dance together. It has since found its home — sold to someone who felt what they felt when they stood before it, which is the only way I know a painting is truly complete. I designed it to be a perfect focal point for prayer rooms, spiritual spaces, or anywhere you need a touch of tranquillity and grace. I truly hope it brings a deep energetic connection to everyone who views it.
The next time you look at a piece of art, take a moment to look a little closer at the shapes and symbols. You might just find the peaceful energy of the universe looking back at you.
"Where Sacred Geometry meets Art Therapy, the mind finds balance and the soul remembers itself."
Connect with Varalakshmi
Interested in a Commission or a Session?
Each painting Varalakshmi creates is deeply personal — rooted in sacred geometry, ancient verse, and philosophical intention. If you are drawn to her work, she would love to hear from you.
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Have a vision, a verse, a feeling you want brought to form? Reach out to discuss a commissioned artwork made especially for you.
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Want to understand this language of geometry yourself? Varalakshmi teaches Sacred Geometry Mandala Art through workshops and one-on-one sessions — for all levels.
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