The Museum of Art and Photography is currently hosting In Celestial Company, an exhibition focusing on the gods’ often overlooked celestial assistants.
Priya Chauhan, who is curating the exhibition with her team, says, “This exhibition focuses on beings that we don’t usually pay attention to because gods are the center of attention in almost every interpretation of God across different mediums.”
Priya adds, “Celestial Company is about the companions of the gods and the musicians; these guardians who are often animals or hybrids, and are seen carrying, flanking or guiding the divine.” “We also wanted to focus on the fact that nothing works in a silo, not even in mythology. There’s always an ecosystem.”
There is an exquisite sculpture of Yamuna and the tortoise over which she stands, placed in a display box resembling the makara, part-crocodile and part-fish, which carries the Ganga. The details of both are intricate and one can’t help but marvel at the craftsmanship.
The brightly colored cloth labels depict Gajalakshmi, and the idol of Bhairava made of copper alloy pays as much attention to the god as to his vehicle, the dog. Similarly, Kinnar, Gana, Gandharva and others also come into limelight in this exhibition.
According to Priya, the show came together seamlessly because the team knew “what kind of stories we wanted to bring together. It’s a vast subject matter and these narratives exist in cultures around the world, not just the mythology we’re familiar with.”
From MAP’s In Celestial Company exhibition. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
“A winged motif that is present in both Islam and Christianity points to this,” she says, referring to the fan-holding angel depicting Kartikeya, which is part of the display. This 19th-century piece of wood and metal, from Puducherry, has a carving in the French style that depicts a scene that is undeniably from Hindu mythology.
Given the broad nature of this topic, the team believes that the show will serve as “a starting point for people to shift their focus a bit” by highlighting some examples and stories from a variety of topics, in the hope that visitors will look at other things from the same perspective.
“Our eyes have been directed in such a way that we often can’t see beyond what we are told. Celestial Company brings a completely different perspective,” says Priya.
The exhibition is designed in such a way that from every angle the eye focuses on what is generally considered inauspicious. Priya says, “Although there is darkness around certain figures in mythology, these shadow figures are also given space to find their own light. What has been seen as an evil or a threat can be turned into strength with a little redirection or help.” She talks about the crow that lives with Dhumavati, the goddess of inauspiciousness, and Mushika, the ride of Ganesha.
From MAP’s In Celestial Company exhibition. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
, A rat which is considered destructive becomes a part of the divine. It’s a reminder of how myths can change, how even challenges can turn into blessings; Here’s an intriguing exploration of symbolism and unexpected twists.
She elaborates that Garuda carrying Vishnu is always seen in a certain light, but when one focuses on Garuda himself, his role is not limited to service to the divine. “There’s more collaboration and interdependence here. We hope people will look at these margins and grays and see how things work in balance. We’re all part of a larger ecosystem where every single person has a place and value.”
“I imagine that if these pieces came to life, the room would be filled with chaos and wonder. It’s a magical place, where we can understand these stories and not limit them to space and artworks, and beyond that can also create stories around us.”
The Celestial Company includes an extraordinary range of time periods and media, from a 1636 stone carving of Ketu from Gujarat and period textiles to contemporary paintings and a 2016 watercolor and silver-coloured artwork of Goddess Dhumavati.
In Celestial Company is on display at the Museum of Art and Photography, Bengaluru till February 15, 2026.
published – December 05, 2025 05:23 PM IST