Swayamvara || From the sequence of Mahabharata// 2020

Title: Swayamvara)**
Year: 2020
Media: Digital Illustration
Software: Autodesk Sketchbook

This digital artwork is inspired by the legendary episode from the Mahabharata—Arjuna’s triumph at Draupadi’s Swayamvara. The illustration reimagines the iconic trial where Arjuna, disguised as a Brahmin, pierced the revolving fish’s eye by only looking at its reflection in the water below.

The central composition features two koi fish in a circular metallic plate, symbolizing the moving target Arjuna had to strike. The ornate golden frame, with its intricate detailing, represents the grandeur of the royal court where the event took place. The use of warm hues and a textured finish gives the piece an ancient, timeless quality, echoing the grandeur of Vedic-era craftsmanship.

This artwork blends mythological storytelling with a semi-realistic style, using digital brushwork to create a rich interplay of light and texture. It serves as a tribute to Arjuna’s skill, concentration, and destiny in winning Draupadi’s hand.