While the rare temple art of Jal Sanjhi, meaning painting on water, originated in Vrindavan, it faded away from the region gradually. Interestingly, a family in Udaipur, Rajasthan rekindled this exotic art form and has been practicing it since 18 generations. Rajesh Vaishnav, the one and only Jal Sanjhi artist in India recreates the spiritual splendor of Lord Krishna with water as his canvas. A recipient of several accolades, the humble priest remarkably transforms the crystal clear water into a vibrant floating painting. Here’s a unique temple art that’s never put up for sale, has no price tags, and lasts for not more than just a few hours. Art for the sake of art and devotion! An exclusive first-hand feature by Vibezeen.
The forest on the banks of Yamuna was once blooming with pristine greenery. Trees bore juicy fruits and the water tasted sweeter than any nectar. When the cool breeze swept the fragrant Kadamba trees, legend has it that the melodious tunes of Lord Krishna playing his marvelous flute mesmerized his devotees, including his divine consort, Radha. During the third age of Hindu cosmology, aka the Dvapara Yuga, it is believed that Vrindavan, a holy town in the present-day Utter Pradesh, witnessed some significant eternal manifestations. One of them was the phenomenal spiritual love story of Lord Krishna and Radha. Mythological tales suggest that in moments of ethereal intimacy when Radha saw the reflection of Lord Krishna in water, she outlined the contours using flowers and leaves to frame it. This mystical expression of her unconditional adoration for Lord Krishna, worshipped by Hindus as the eighth incarnation of Vishnu, marked the origins of a very rare form of temple art known as Jal Sanjhi. The term literally means stencil or decorative painting on water.
Today, Vrindavan and its twin city Mathura, venerated by tourists and followers of Vaishnavite tradition, are home to umpteen temples dedicated to Lord Krishna and Radha. However, the Jal Sanjhi art has gradually faded away from their spiritual abode.
Interestingly, a family in Udaipur, Rajasthan rekindled this exotic temple art and has been practicing it since 18 generations. Mr Rajesh Vaishnav, known to be the one and only Jal Sanjhi artist in India as of date, acquired this art from his father late Mr Manna Lal Vaishnav. He is a chief priest of Thakurji Shri Govardhan Nath Swami mandir (Jal Sanjhi temple), which is also his home where he resides with his family. With water as his canvas, he recreates the splendor of Vrindavan and Yamuna River in his composition with motifs such as cows, butterflies, peacocks, flowers, creepers and Kadamba trees.
Vibezeen magazine pays a visit to this renowned, award-winning Jal Sanjhi artist, whose art is as remarkable as his humble mannerisms and gentle voice. He obliges and accepts our request to give us a glimpse of Jal Sanjhi, which is traditionally practiced from the Patripada to Amavasya of Hindu month of Ashwin for 15 days.
Making of a Mystical Painting
Born on December 13, 1959, Mr Vaishnav has devoted himself to this art since the tender age of 12. He is the recipient of several awards including, the Mewar Gaurav Samman by First India News. He has also been featured in Sanjhi, a book by Gopal Ji published in Gujarati, English and Hindi editions. His son Ankur, a tourist guide by profession, supports his father wholeheartedly by promoting his work on social media and various other platforms.
The Floating Art is a Metaphor for Impermanence & Infinity
As the Jal Sanjhi painting lasts only for a few hours, it’s a perhaps a significant metaphor for the impermanence of life and the infinity of lifecycle.
Awards & Accolades
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