Fine Mysore School painting of Kodanda Rama
“Kodanda” means ‘one who holds the bow’ as Rama is depicted here. Also in the painting is Rama’s consort Sita, his brother Lakshmana and Hanuman. In the sky above is Ravana’s vehicle pushpakavimana, which Rama used to return to Ayodhya after he won the battle. Also in the sky above are two angels showering Rama with flowers as a blessing and perhaps to celebrate his victorious return to Ayodhya. Size with frame; height 28", width 24".
Rama is the hero of the Ramayana, a Hindu epic. In seven books, the story narrates the exile of Rama to the forest with his wife Sita and his brother Lakshmana, the subsequent abduction of Sita by Ravana (the demon-king of Lanka) and the rescue of Sita with the help of Sugriva the king of the monkey tribe and his minister Hanuman. After a fierce battle the city of Lanka was taken, Ravana was defeated and killed and Sita was rescued. Rama returned and was crowned to begin his reign of Ayodhya.