Vishwamitra Tapobangh

VISHWAMITRA TAPO BHANGH OR THE DESTRUCTION OF VISHWAMITRA’S PENANCE: Vishwamitra was engaged in intense penance and tapas in order to attain the status of ‘Brahmarishi’. At this time, Indra deputed Menaka, a celestial damsel to disturb the austerities of Vishwamitra.

This print from the Ravi Varma Press derived from a painting by Raja Ravi Varma depicts the scene where Vishwamitra is seen engrossed in his prayer and Menaka trying to distract him. Raja Ravi Varma also depicts Manmatha or Kama (the God of love) like a cupid. The similarity in the Indian iconographic description and Eurpoean influence is evident in this print.