Chitrashala Press, Poona. 1910's

SIZE: 10in x 14in

CONDITION: Very Good. Condition as per the scan

Gajendra was the King of elephants. One hot day, he proceeded to the lake with his family to cool off in its fresh waters. But from within the lake a crocodile appeared who attacked him and would not let go of him. When the family and relatives saw ‘death’ coming close to Gajendra, and everyone realised that everything was lost, they left Gajendra alone. Gajendra prayed: ‘Please help me O Lord! Save me from the clutches of Death! It is said that if one recites the Gajendra Prayer, one achieves liberation and freedom from frightening dreams! The Lord rushed to Gajendra’s aid. The latter offered the Lord a lotus flower. God attacked the crocodile and saved His Loved One.

The symbolism so far:

Man is Gajendra

The world, is the lake where he plays the game of life with family and others.

The crocodile is ‘Death and Difficulties’ which attack man.

The Lesson:

Neither family nor friend can liberate one from the clutch of death.