Description
Framed design
The design is shown on 14 count Aida fabric, but you may also use evenweave or fabric with a different count. Grid Size:15.7″ x 15.7″ (220 x 220 stitches) Design Area: 14.3”x 14.3” (200x200stitches)
Techniques
Stitches required: Backstitch. Single thread for all the design. 2 skeins of black thread are needed to complete the design. The stitches may overlap for artistic purposes, but they are never fractional.
Iconography
Disclaimer: The artistic choice of assigning characters, creatures, and other elements to specific places within the design is based on creative interpretation and imagination, drawing inspiration from Arthurian lore and symbolism. The selection and placement of these elements are not historically or mythologically prescribed but rather a result of artistic expression.
Explore the Hindu Mythdala, a meticulous tapestry that delves into the essence of Hindu mythology, weaving each story stitch by stitch. The design is adorned with ornamental frames featuring traditional Indian motifs like the lotus flower, peacock, paisley, and the tree of life, reflecting the rich artistic heritage of India. The names of deities, creatures, and lokas are inscribed in Sanskrit, lending authenticity to this piece.
At its center, the world turtle Akūpāra, or Chukwa, supports the Earth, embodying the mythological narrative where Lord Vishnu, in his Kurma avatar, aids the churning of the cosmic ocean.
Encircling the world turtle is a ring dedicated to the seven days of the week, each represented by their corresponding deity: Shiva, Hanuman, Ganesha, Vishnu, Santoshi Mata, Shani Dev, and Surya Dev. This ring seamlessly transitions into another, featuring mythical creatures like Naga, Rakshasa, and Vetala positioned at the cardinal points, each aligned with a nearby deity.
The 12-hour clock face, adorned with the 14 lokas of Hindu cosmology, is supported by the serpentine Shesha, whose presence throughout the ring signifies the eternal cycle of time and existence. Each of these elements, researched and crafted by a certified artist, invites you to embark on a journey into Hindu mythology, bringing to life these ancient stories through your own stitching.
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FABRIC
It is recommended to use Aida 14 count for this pattern.
There are no fractional stiches in the pattern, but at the edges of the circle they may become long. You may split these into two stitches making them fractional, if desired.
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STITCHING
All stitches are done with a single floss of thread.
There are no fractional stitches, but some stitches may overlap.
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CLOCKFACE
The design is adapted for being used as a clock or day clock. You may install a dual mechanism if desired.
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I C O N O G R A P H Y
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7 DAYS OF THE WEEK
Monday: Lord Shiva
Lord Shiva, the deity of strength and spiritual power, embodies the calmness and courage needed to begin the week. As the destroyer of evil and agent of transformation, he represents the continuous cycle of creation, preservation, and destruction. Shiva is depicted with a crescent moon on his head, a snake around his neck, and a third eye on his forehead, holding a lingam in his palm.
Tuesday: Lord Hanuman
Lord Hanuman, the protector and remover of obstacles, symbolizes strength, courage, and unwavering devotion. Tuesday is dedicated to Hanuman, who provides the fortitude to face challenges and overcome adversity. He is depicted with the head of a monkey, holding a gada (mace), ready to defend and support his devotees.
Wednesday: Lord Ganesha
Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and patron of arts and intellect, is revered on Wednesday. This day is associated with seeking wisdom, success, and good fortune. Ganesha is depicted with an elephant head, representing intellect and prosperity, guiding his devotees through the challenges of life.
Thursday: Lord Vishnu
Lord Vishnu, the protector and preserver of the universe, is honored on Thursday. Vishnu embodies stability, prosperity, and the maintenance of cosmic order. He is depicted holding a conch shell, reclining on the coils of the serpent Shesha, floating over the divine ocean Kshira Sagara, symbolizing his role in preserving the universe.
Friday: Santoshi Mata
Santoshi Mata, the Mother of Satisfaction, is venerated on Friday. She embodies contentment, prosperity, and well-being, marking the end of the working week. Santoshi Mata is depicted as a beautiful goddess holding a sword and Trishula (trident), with a golden pot of rice in front of her, symbolizing nourishment and fulfillment.
Saturday: Shani Dev
Shani Dev, the god of karma, justice, and discipline, is worshipped on Saturday. He represents the principles of justice, retribution, and the results of one’s actions. Shani Dev is depicted wearing dark robes, with a dark complexion, holding a bow and arrow, symbolizing his role in maintaining balance and order.
Sunday: Surya Dev
Surya Dev, the Sun God, is celebrated on Sunday. He represents vitality, strength, and positivity, bringing light and energy to the start of the week. Surya Dev is depicted with a sun nimbus, holding a lotus in his hand, with palm leaves symbolizing knowledge, embodying the radiance and composure needed to face life’s challenges.
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CARDINAL POINTS
NORTH – Naga
The north, representing authority and control, is an apt placement for the Nagas. Their dominion over the earth and protection of hidden treasures resonate with the powerful and ruling characteristics of the northern direction.
NORTH-EAST – Rakshasa
The north-east, bridging the cold north and the renewing east, aligns with the Rakshasas. Their ferocity and shape-shifting abilities reflect the intense and transformative energies of this transitional direction, embodying both danger and potential change.
EAST – Apsara
The east, symbolizing rebirth and the dawn, suits the Apsaras. Their ethereal beauty and connection to the morning aurora embody the fresh beginnings and artistic inspiration associated with the eastern direction.
SOUTH-EAST – Kinnara
The south-east, representing vitality and creativity, aligns with the Kinnaras. Their enchanting music and protective qualities embody the life-giving and artistic energies of this direction.
SOUTH – Garuda
The south, associated with heat and intensity, aligns with Garuda’s powerful presence. His role as Vishnu’s mount emphasizes his significance as a protector and a symbol of divine strength, embodying the fiery energies of this direction.
SOUTH-WEST – Yaksha
The south-west, representing nurturing and transformation, suits the Yakshas. Their association with prosperity, natural treasures and growth complements the fulfilling and reflective qualities of this direction.
WEST – Makara
The west, representing wisdom and the setting sun, suits the Makaras. Their association with disciplined order and natural protection complements the reflective and disciplined qualities of this direction, highlighting the prosperity and contentment that come with the end of the day.
NORTH-WEST – Vetala
The north-west, bridging the wisdom of the west and the mystery of the north, suits the Vetalas. Their eerie presence and association with the macabre resonate with the transitional and enlightening aspects of this direction, symbolizing protection and the dispelling of darkness.
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INTERWOVEN LEGENDS
Shiva / Naga
Nagas, often seen as rulers of regions and powerful serpent beings, are placed near Shiva. Shiva, as a supreme deity and master of numerous mystical beings, complements the Naga’s sovereignty and guardianship roles.
Rakshasa / Hanuman
Rakshasas, known for their fierce and demonic nature, are placed near Hanuman. Hanuman, celebrated for his immense strength and protective qualities, stands as a counterforce to the malevolence of Rakshasas, ensuring the maintenance of balance and order.
Apsara / Ganesh
Apsaras, the celestial nymphs, are placed near Ganesh. As the patron of arts and learning, Ganesh fosters the artistic expression and beauty that Apsaras embody, enhancing cosmic harmony through their presence.
Kinnara / Ganesh
Kinnaras, celestial musicians and guardians of well-being, are placed near Ganesh. Their artistic talents and protective nature align with Ganesh’s role as a patron of arts and remover of obstacles, fostering creativity and safety.
Garuda / Vishnu
Garuda, the mighty bird and vehicle of Vishnu, is aptly placed near Vishnu. Garuda’s unwavering loyalty and strength reflect his integral role in serving and protecting Vishnu, symbolizing divine support, vigilance, and power.
Yaksha / Santoshi Mata
Yakshas, nature spirits connected to fertility and abundance, are positioned near Santoshi Mata. Their protective and benevolent nature aligns with Santoshi Mata’s nurturing qualities, symbolizing prosperity, well-being, and contentment.
Makara / Shani Dev
Makaras, mythical sea creatures, are placed near Shani Dev. The Makara’s disciplined nature and symbolic role in love and protection align with Shani Dev’s influence over justice, discipline, and the management of natural resources.
Vetala / Surya Dev
Vetalas, the ghostly beings inhabiting corpses, are positioned near Surya Dev. Surya Dev’s illuminating and life-giving qualities stand as a counterforce to the darkness and chaos represented by Vetalas, ensuring the maintenance of cosmic balance.
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CLOCKFACE – THE 14 LOKAS
The lokas are arranged not in numerical order but by their respective heights, with the highest loka at midnight and the lowest at noon. There are 14 lokas, but only 12 sectors on the clockface, so the highest and the lowest are placed at midnight and noon, respectively. The names of the lokas are inscribed in Sanskrit, with the word ‘loka’ omitted for those between midnight and noon.
Midnight – Satya-Loka
The highest loka, abode of Brahma, the creator god. Brahma is depicted traditionally with four faces, four arms, a white beard symbolizing sage-like experience, and a crown, representing his authority and wisdom.
11:00-12:00 – Tapa-Loka
Home to the Ayohnija and the Mother Goddess Mula Prakriti. She gives birth to all life forms and nourishes them, ultimately reabsorbing them. Sita, the consort of Rama and goddess of beauty and devotion, is depicted here with a pink lotus, symbolizing purity and divine love.
12:00-1:00 – Jana-Loka
Abode of Mānasaputra, the mind-born sons of Brahma. The nine manasaputras include Bhrigu, Pulastya, and others. Daksha, one of the prajapati and a divine king-rishi, is depicted with a stocky body and either a handsome face or the head of a goat, reflecting his dual nature as a creator and sacrificer.
10:00-11:00 – Mahar-Loka
The realm of great sages and enlightened beings like Markandeya. Revived by Shiva at the request of the devas, Markandeya remains eternally youthful. He is depicted with a crescent on his forehead and a snake around his neck, similar to Shiva, symbolizing his connection to the divine.
1:00-2:00 – Svar-Loka (Svarga-Loka)
The heaven of Indra, the powerful king of the gods. Indra is associated with the sky, lightning, weather, and war. He is depicted with elements representing his dominion over these forces, symbolizing power and protection.
9:00-10:00 – Bhuvar-Loka (Pitri Loka)
This realm includes the sun, planets, stars, and the space between Earth and the sun, inhabited by semi-divine beings. It is depicted with celestial bodies and atmospheric elements, symbolizing the life-force that permeates the universe.
2:00-3:00 – Bhur-Loka
The Earth, our home, as described in the Vishnu Purana. It is depicted as a lush, inhabited world, one among many in the universe, symbolizing the diversity and richness of life on Earth.
8:00-9:00 – Atala-Loka
Ruled by Bala, a son of Maya, who possesses mystical powers. Bala created three types of women, who enchant men entering Atala. This sector is depicted with three female figures and a subtle reference to a certain herb, symbolizing the intoxicating and enchanting nature of this realm.
3:00-4:00 – Vitala-Loka
Ruled by Hara-Bhava, a form of Shiva, master of gold mines. The residents of this realm are adorned with gold from the region. This sector is depicted with gold coins, highlighting the wealth and mystical elements of Vitala.
7:00-8:00 – Sutala-Loka
Kingdom of the pious demon king Bali, who was sent here by Vamana, an avatar of Vishnu. Bali, despite being a demon, is a devout worshipper of Vishnu, who made him richer than Indra. Depicted in front of his palace, symbolizing his devotion and the divine favor he received.
4:00-5:00 – Talatala-Loka
Realm of the demon-architect Maya, who is well-versed in sorcery. Shiva, pleased with Maya after destroying his cities, gave him this realm. Depicted with the Hall of Illusion, one of Maya’s masterpieces, symbolizing his architectural and magical prowess.
6:00-7:00 – Mahatala-Loka
Home of the descendants of the serpent Kadrū. This realm is filled with serpent beings. It is depicted with intertwining snakes, symbolizing the serpent inhabitants and their connection to the deeper, mysterious parts of the cosmos.
5:00-6:00 – Rasatala-Loka
Home to the mighty but cruel demons Danavas and Daityas, who are eternal foes of the gods. They live in holes like serpents, symbolizing their subterranean dwelling. This sector is depicted with holes, representing their hidden and secretive nature.
Noon – Patala-Loka (Nagaloka)
The lowest realm, ruled by Vasuki, king of the Nagas. This region is inhabited by many-hooded serpentine creatures. Depicted with Nagas, symbolizing the deep, hidden aspects of the universe and the serpentine wisdom of this realm.
Digital cross stitch / blackwork pattern
No physical items will be shipped. A PDF pattern will be emailed to you within 1 working day.
No fabric, floss, or other materials are included in the listing. The finished embroidery shown in the photos is for demonstration purposes only.
