The Art of Invocation: A Personal Study of the Kalash Yantra

Some paintings arise from inspiration. Others arise from study and devotion. This one is both.
It’s based on the sacred Kalash drawing used in the fire ceremony—a symbol system that maps the cosmos and the body. Let me show you what I’ve learned so far.

This painting has been as much a study as it is a depiction—an exploration into the deeper meaning behind a sacred ritual. It is an elaboration of the geometric drawing traditionally made at the base of the Kalash (sacred vessel) before each fire ceremony in India.
(See an example of the original drawing below…)

I was deeply fascinated by the symbolism within this seemingly simple design and felt drawn to uncover their meaning. The Kalash, or sacred pot, holds 118 walnuts, each representing one of the 118 worlds acknowledged in Kashmir Shaivism (though in truth, there are said to be infinitely more). The diagram itself is a cosmic map—a representation of the universe and its reflection within the human body. As each walnut is placed on a specific symbol, it invokes and honors a cosmic principle, calling it forth before the fire is lit in the havan kund.

My curiosity led me to explore this further through painting. I was fortunate to receive guidance from George Barselaar, a long-time devotee of Swami Lakshmanjoo, who has performed this fire ceremony many times in both Los Angeles and Oregon for the Lakshmanjoo Academy, where I’ve also assisted. During one of our conversations, which I recorded, he generously explained the deeper meanings and answered my questions. I’m currently working on creating a video that pairs his audio with visuals to help illustrate this ancient knowledge.

But first… the painting.

Acrylic paint on stretched canvas, gold paint, iridescent paint, H 40 x W 30 inches x 1.5 deep.
Original sold. Limited edition Prints in the original size are available on request, with hand-painted gold embellishments (like the original) Contact me.

At the top of the painting, we find the Matrika Chakra—eight Devis (energies) who preside over and embody the principles of creation. They are depicted as flower petals, starting from the top and moving clockwise.

Representing the head, each of these /energies corresponds and is connected with a specific god and his weapon, in the same clockwise direction, depicted in the middle section of the painting. Together, representing the body (the sun being the center).

At the bottom of the painting are six deities who govern the vital powers and protect the thresholds of sacred space. On the earthly plane, they guard the entrances. In essence, they represent Shiva and Shakti—the fundamental dynamic forces not only found here, but woven throughout the universe. In this context, they form the foundation of the cosmos.

But what is most fascinating is the connection of these energies/deities/gods/and their weapons and the relationship to each other and their relationship to the cosmos and our body.

I had the joy of presenting the Kalash Yantra to Lakshmanjoo Academy’s Weekly Sangha. The beautiful gathering was led by George Barselaar, who studied these teachings directly with Swami Lakshmanjoo. Together we explored how this painting reflects the sacred fire ritual (havan), the vastness of the universe, and the subtle microcosm within the human body. Sharing the artwork in this way has deepened my own connection to it, and I’m grateful for the thoughtful reflections and insights that emerged during our time together.

You can watch the replays here… https://www.lakshmanjooacademy.org/weekly-sangha-recordings-kalash-yantra. It includes additional Material to download.

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Update:
The original painting has sold and was recently delivered to its new home in Northern California. I now offer several print options:

• Limited-edition hand-embellished print (40 x 30 inches, 1.5″ deep)
  A collector’s edition for those who want a presence closest to the original. Each print is individually enhanced with hand-painted gold accents.
  View limited-edition print →
• Rolled-canvas print (open edition)
  A flexible, affordable option. The rolled canvas arrives unmounted and ready for your framer or local artisan to stretch. This version contains the full artwork without the hand-embellished details.
  View rolled-canvas print →
• Smaller prints & merchandise
  Perfect for smaller homes, altars, desks, or gifts. This edition allows you to carry the essence of the Kalash Yantra in accessible formats and sizes.
  View smaller prints →
• or contact me for inquiries of other options.

I’ve also created a free gift as a thank you, a downloadable Kalash Yantra digital wallpaper for your phone or computer. Join my mailing list & receive your free digital artwork

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