Depition of Vasudeva in Tikuli painting by Ashok Kumar

Artist Ashok Kumar in his tikuli painting depicts Vasudeva carrying a baby on his head and a Sheshnaag(the divine serpent) behind him. The imagery of Vasudeva carrying the baby Krishna on his head represents the moment when he conveyed Krishna across the Yamuna River on the night of his birth, symbolizing protection, responsibility, and the extents a parent would go to ensure the safety of their child. The Sheshnaag’s presence behind Vasudeva and baby Krishna symbolizes the divine protection and support that Krishna enjoys as a divine incarnation. The image of baby Krishna represents divine innocence highlighting the concept of divine intervention and the miraculous nature of Krishna’s birth. Overall, the imagery encapsulates the profound themes of protection, divinity, and the triumph of good over evil.