In various artworks, we see the art of peacock feathers, such as in paintings, mehndi art, glass works, wall paintings, and sculptures. Peacock feathers, called “Morpankh ” in Hindi, hold cultural, mythological, and spiritual value in Hinduism. Morpankh symbolizes good luck, prosperity, and peace.
The peacock bird has existed on earth from 3-5 million years, and from thousands of years, the morpankh art has been used in paintings, textiles, sculpture, and design. In ancient times, when people sculpted stone, they often included the design of morpankh. Anyone who sees it is immediately drawn to its feather, softness, and colour. The morpankh is beautiful, and so is the art of morpankh. Just like flowers, the sky, mountains, and sunrise paintings are loved by people, the morpankh, with its natural beauty, is also admired. Artists often incorporate morpankh art into paintings, wall decor, various crafts, architecture, and textiles.
When we say morpankh adds value in spirituality, you must have wondered why. There are many reasons why it holds value in Hinduism and spirituality. In mythological scriptures, there are many instances where morpankh adds value.
Shree Krishna And Morpankh
Shree Krishna always decorated his head with Morpankh. There are many beliefs about the connection between Shree Krishna and Morpankh, but the most well-known one is that when Shree Krishna and his friends in Vrindavan rested under a tree after playing, Shree Krishna often played the flute for his friends and his own enjoyment. When he played the flute, the sweet and peaceful sound spread joy. One day, as Shree Krishna played the flute joyfully, many birds and animals gathered around him, including peacocks. They all enjoyed and danced to the mesmerizing flute sound. When Krishna stopped playing the flute, the birds and animals wanted more music. The peacock king came forward and said that Krishna’s music made the environment festive, so he offered a morpankh as a gift. Krishna accepted the morpankh with all his heart and placed it on his head.
Lord Kartikeya And The Peacock
The peacock is the vehicle of Lord Kartikeya, son of Shiva. When Kartikeya had victory over Asur Surapadman and he realised that he was about to be killed, requested forgiveness for his deeds and, in return, gave the peacock as his vehicle. From that time, Kartikeya was seen with the peacock. That is why Lord Kartikeya’s other name is God Muruga. In photos, Kartikeya is often shown sitting on the peacock. In his worship, mainly in South India, the morpankh is used for decorations.\
Peacock and Indian Gods
According to some legends, once a peacock helped Dev Indra to hide. The peacock spread its feathers, it protected Dev Indra from Ravan’s attack.
Peacock is also connected with Devi Saraswati for beauty, grace, and art. Devi Saraswati is the embodiment of knowledge, beauty, music, and art. When artists paint Devi Saraswati, the peacock and morpankh are sometimes included in the image. Sometimes, Devi Saraswati is shown sitting on a peacock.
Peacock is connected with Devi Lakshmi for wealth. Devi Lakshmi has multiple vehicles, and peacocks are one of them. That is why many people keep a morpankh at home for wealth.
The Peacock in Indian Art: Warli Peacock Dance
The Peacock is a common sighting in Warli paintings depicting the monsoon. This Warli painting portrays a lively harvest festival in a Warli village. The central focus is on the peacocks, depicted with elegance, beauty, and prosperity, celebrating the abundance of the harvest. The painting shows villagers dancing and participating in the festivities, their figures characterized by the Warli style using simple geometric shapes. The background features natural elements like trees, flowers, and a river. The use of white paint on a brown background enhances the contrast and brings out the details of the scene. Overall, the painting captures the essence of the festival, showcasing the harmony between the villagers, the celebration of the harvest, and the beauty of the peacocks, all within the traditional Warli art style.
The Peacock in Gond Art: A Gond Culture Tale
An artform centered on animals and nature, the peacock is deemed by the Gonds as a creature of utmost beauty. As per a popular Gondi folktale:
In the jungle, the animals decide to elect a new king. The peacock, known for its stunning beauty, and the owl, respected for its wisdom and nocturnal abilities, are the main contenders. Confident in its appearance, the peacock believes it will easily win the admiration of the animals. The animals gather for the contest. The peacock proudly displays its colorful feathers and dances, mesmerizing the animals with its beauty. However, when night falls, the peacock’s beauty becomes invisible in the darkness. Meanwhile, the owl, with its ability to see in the dark and its wisdom, proves its practical value by guiding and protecting the animals during the night. The animals, realizing that true leadership requires more than just external beauty, choose the owl as their king. The peacock learns a valuable lesson: that inner qualities like wisdom, usefulness, and the ability to lead effectively are far more important than superficial appearances.
Conclusively,
the peacock and its feather holds a unique place in Indian culture, spirituality, and art. Its presence in various art forms, from traditional Warli and Gond paintings to modern glass work and textiles. The morpankh symbolizes beauty, prosperity, and spirituality, deeply embedded in mythological tales and religious practices. By integrating morpankh into diverse artistic expressions, artists celebrate its multifaceted symbolism and enhance the cultural heritage of India.
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By Shrushti Patel
