Prime Minister Narendra Modi was recently gifted a beautiful painting of Lord Krishna at the Guruvayur Temple in Kerala. What makes this story intriguing is that the artist behind the painting is Jasna Salim, a Muslim woman who has been offering her artworks of Lord Krishna to the temple for years.
Meet Jasna Salim
Jasna Salim, a homemaker from Koyilandy, Kerala, has a unique passion for painting Lord Krishna. Despite belonging to a different faith, Jasna has created over 500 paintings of the infant form of Lord Krishna. Her artistic journey began at the age of 24 when she was inspired by an image of Unni Kannan in a newspaper.
Jasna’s paintings aren’t just artistic expressions; they symbolize her devotion to Lord Krishna. She has been gifting these portraits to the renowned Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple in Thrissur for several years. However, due to temple customs, as non-Hindus are not allowed inside the shrine, Jasna places her paintings near the hundi or hands them over to the temple staff.
Challenges Faced by Jasna
While Jasna’s art has been widely appreciated, it hasn’t been without challenges. The artist faced opposition from her own community, and her son was allegedly denied permission to attend the local madrasa. The madrasa authorities demanded a conduct certificate, probing the conduct of the parents before admission. Despite these challenges, Jasna’s family, including her husband working in Dubai, continues to support her.
Prime Minister Modi, in his social media post, acknowledged Jasna’s journey in Krishna Bhakti as a testament to the transformative power of devotion. Jasna’s story is not just about art; it’s about transcending religious boundaries and finding spiritual fulfillment through her passion for Lord Krishna.
PM Modi’s Visit to Guruvayur:
Prime Minister Modi’s two-day visit to Kerala included a roadshow and a visit to the Guruvayur Temple. Dressed in traditional attire, PM Modi offered prayers at the temple and blessed a newly wedded couple. The highlight of his visit was receiving Jasna Salim’s painting of Lord Krishna, symbolizing the harmonious coexistence of diverse faiths.
Jasna’s story reflects a beautiful harmony of faiths. She proudly states that she has faith in both Allah and Krishna, living as a devout Muslim while finding no conflict in keeping her faith in Lord Krishna. Her ability to embrace different aspects of spirituality sets an inspiring example of religious tolerance and coexistence.
Positive Takeaway
Jasna Salim’s journey with art and devotion is not just about paintings and temples; it’s a narrative of breaking barriers and fostering understanding among different communities. Her story resonates with the idea that art and faith have the power to unite people, transcending religious boundaries.
In a world often divided by differences, Jasna’s unique passion serves as a reminder that love for art and devotion knows no religious constraints. As her paintings continue to adorn the Guruvayur Temple, they carry a message of unity and acceptance, echoing far beyond the canvas.
