Artist Raghu Vyas chats with the Ambassador Santosh Jha, his wife, and Mahaprabhu Dasa, Director of MOSA. Photos courtesy of Brocco Photo.

On Saturday, May 6th, MOSA (The Museum of Sacred Art), located at the Radhadesh Temple, inaugurated its latest exhibit for over 70 dignitaries and guests. The exhibition, entitled “Narasimha and the Avatars,” includes various artistic offerings on the ten avatars of Krishna, with a specific emphasis on Lord Nrisimhadeva.

Government officials present included Santosh Jha, the Ambassador of India to Belgium, Luxembourg, and the European Union, as well as ambassadors from Bangladesh, Mauritius, and Nepal, along with representatives from the Surinam Embassy. The Indian ambassador even explained that he grew up in a village where his local temple claims to be the site where Lord Nrsimhadeva burst forth from the pillar to save his devotee Prahlad. In addition, academics and religious communities like the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Baha’i faith were also present at the festivities, which included devotional music and a Bharata Natyam dance presentations.

“This exhibit is drawn from many of MOSA’s current collections as the theme of the avatars is very central in Vaisnava Arts. Additionally, we commissioned about 100 extra works, especially for the show. I believe the show will be a great success with devotees, Hindu guests, and the many visitors to Radhadesh,” said Mahaprabhu Dasa, the Director of MOSA and exhibit curator.

Wood sculpture of Narasimha carved by Shiv Kumar Natharajan.

Over 60 artists and more than 400 works are displayed in this latest exhibit. Ten artists are ISKCON devotees, and the Indian government even flew in two artists from India to participate in the event. Rukmini Devi Dasi, one of the original artists who traveled to Mayapur under the direction of Srila Prabhupada to learn the local arts in the early 1970s, was on hand for the opening and helped to welcome the guests. “It was astounding to see so many beautiful pieces of work from so many different parts of India and from so many different artists depicting the Lila of Lord Nrisimhadeva and the ten avatars,” she remarked, “It really showcased our Vaishnava culture within the context of the greater Vedic tradition and how ISKCON is part of the vast ancient culture.” The offerings included sculptures, traditional and contemporary style oil and watercolor paintings, photographic animations, digital art, embroidered works, and copper plates.

In addition to the exhibit and cultural presentations, honored guests were treated to a tour of the temple, bakery, and gift shop. A meditative walk to the tower that overlooks the beautiful Radhadesh temple near the region of the Ardennes forest was also available. The event ended with a lovely lunch feast for the VIPs at the Govindas Buffet.

Guests can also see a 340-page catalog describing the works in detail, including a special message from the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi. 

The exhibition will continue until April 16, 2024, and MOSA looks forward to welcoming many visitors in the coming months. For more information on the exhibit, you can email info@radhadesh.com