The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of March 29, 2024

Rama and Lakshmana slay the demon giant Viradha, from Chapters 2 through 4 of the Aranya Kanda (Book of the Forest) of a Ramayana (Rama’s Journey)

Rama and Lakshmana slay the demon giant Viradha, from Chapters 2 through 4 of the Aranya Kanda (Book of the Forest) of a Ramayana (Rama’s Journey)

c. 1770
Location: not on view

Did You Know?

Rama is depicted with a green complexion in central and southern India.

Description

Viradha was once a celestial musician named Tumburu, who was cursed by Kubera, guardian king and god of wealth, to turn into a demon until he was killed by Rama. During their exile, when the hero Rama, his brother Lakshmana, and wife Sita were venturing in the Dandaka Forest, the demon appeared in front of the divine party and abducted Sita. Rama and Lakshmana slayed the demon and rescued Sita, and Viradha was freed from his curse.
  • Heeramaneck Galleries, New York, NY
    Terence McInerney
    May 1981
    (Sotheby’s, Parke-Bernet, New York, NY, May 1981 sale, lot 18​, sold to Ralph and Catherine Benkaim)
    1981–2018
    Catherine Glynn Benkaim and Ralph Benkaim Collection
    2018–
    The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH
  • Imagining Rama's Journey (Indian Painting rotation). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (organizer) (March 10-September 17, 2023).
  • {{cite web|title=Rama and Lakshmana slay the demon giant Viradha, from Chapters 2 through 4 of the Aranya Kanda (Book of the Forest) of a Ramayana (Rama’s Journey)|url=false|author=|year=c. 1770|access-date=29 March 2024|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/2018.122