आलेख
– एस. सी. सुमन
“KOBAR”
Kohbar (nuptial chamber) painting is full of symbols which include all aspects of Maithili life with its wisdom full of practical meaning.
The kohbar painting includes different symbolic expression that conveys special meanings according to the icons used there. Kohbar painting. Beside, parrot, tortoises, and fish are drawn representing love, longevity, and fertility respectively. In addition, Sun, Moon, Panchant Devta, and Nabgraha are drawn reflecting life given energy. Women at the four corners of kobar ghar painted Naia-jogin signifies freedom from tantra-mantra who free the couple from evil magic. Likewise, Lotus flower denotes love and tender and leaf of Purain symbolizes female sex.
The tradition of the Kohbar harks back to a time when child marriages flourishes and was non-existent which were consecrated to celebrate the spiritual and physical union between the newlyweds. Every element in Mithila painting has deeply rooted symbolism in it focusing around passion, sex, fertility and tantric ritual. The symbols used in Mithila painting depend on the angle of its analysis. The deeper meaning links it with the transcendental quality the icons convey while the surface meaning connects it with the changing context of the painting. Campoli writers; “branch of bamboo alluding to the male or phallic principle, is surrounded by lotus leaves, symbolizing the Yoni the female element”.
“Kalpvriksha-Latpatuaa suga (pair of parrot)”
Kalpvriksha, the tree of life, also meaning “word tree” finds mention in the Vadic scripture. In the earliest account of the Samudra Manthan. It is on account of these wish-granting tree.
The motif and orgin of KOBAR-GHAR contains Latpatua suga on the Kalpvrikcha is symbolic presentation of wish-granting tree for safety,wisdom, health, happiness and Latpatua-suga for LOVE and LIFE.
