Lord Hanuman is a symbol of strength and bravery. His most important instrument is his Gada (mace) that he carries in his right hand. The mace is a weapon for Hanuman. It is a symbol of self-sovereignty, authority of governance and the power to reign. The mace is also a representation of concentrated Prana (life-force). It moves around the sun and stores the life that it gathers. The mace in Hanuman’s hand is a sign of virility, bravery, strength and radiance like the sun itself. The mace is not a weapon of physicality. It is a symbol of moral and spiritual values. To be adorned with the mace one must have complete control of five organs of action, five organs of perception, and five vices of anger, greed, lust, ego and attachment. Aslam’s Hanuman is a contented and satisfied individual who looks like a monarch of all he surveys. The Surya Namaskar of Yoga was invented by Hanuman, as a salutation to the Sun God, Surya his teacher.
ASLAM SHAIKH
Righteous Rescue
Acrylic on Canvas
38 x 60 inches
2018