Ramana Maharshi was a renowned philosopher and yogi, best known for his teachings and practice of Atma-Vichara (self-inquiry). Rooted in Advaita Vedanta, his philosophy emphasized the unity of the self (atman) with the supreme reality (Brahman). At the age of seventeen, an intense fear of death led him to a profound spiritual awakening. Soon after, he renounced worldly life and settled at Mount Arunachala, becoming a revered sage. His simple yet transformative question—“Who am I?”—guides seekers toward self-realization. Though he gained global recognition, he remained humble, emphasizing that true liberation comes from within.

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In the painting:

Much like in photographs taken during his lifetime, Ramana Maharshi is depicted in the painting sitting half-naked on a tiger skin. This posture reinforces his identity as a yogi, ascetic, and renunciate. It also highlights his spiritual connection to Lord Shiva, traditionally shown seated on a tiger skin, symbolising mastery over fear, desire, and the material world.

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Above him is the sacred Mount Arunachala, embodying Shiva’s eternal presence, stillness, and the path to self-realisation. To Ramana Maharshi , it was more than a place—it was his home, guru, and the embodiment of the Divine. Drawn by an irresistible spiritual call, he left home in 1896 and remained at Arunachala for the rest of his life.

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In this painting, the beacon atop Mount Arunachala symbolises the cosmic serpent Vasuki, transforming the mountain into a Shiva Linga. Vasuki is often depicted coiled around the Shiva Linga, signifying Shiva’s mastery over death and fear, as well as the awakened Kundalini energy rising towards spiritual enlightenment.

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The beacon is also a reference to the Karthika Deepam festival, celebrated with a grand flame atop Mount Arunachala. The flame, a symbol of Shiva’s infinite light, signifies the dissolution of ego, a central theme in Ramana Maharshi’s teachings on self-inquiry and realisation. In his words:

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"Getting rid of the ‘I am the body’ idea and merging the mind into the Heart to realise the Self as non-dual being and the light of all is the real significance of darshan of the beacon of light on Annamalai (Arunachala), the centre of the universe."

Five Hymns to Arunachala

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The bull in the painting, gazing at Ramana Maharshi, represents Nandi, Shiva’s devoted vehicle, and also draws a parallel to Lakshmi, the cow whose unwavering love for Ramana reflected the sacred bond between devotee and guru. In Hindu tradition, Nandi embodies pure, undivided devotion, gazing eternally at Shiva, much like Lakshmi’s quiet presence near Ramana Maharshi.

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At the top of the painting’s frame is Kirtimukha, the fierce guardian face often found above Shiva temple entrances, symbolising protection, humility, and transformation. Just as Ramana Maharshi emphasised self-inquiry and the dissolution of the ego in pursuit of the Divine, Kirtimukha serves as a reminder to leave behind ego and desires before entering sacred space.

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The crescent moon in the painting represents the half-moon adorning Shiva’s head. Due to a curse, the moon god Chandra began to fade, losing his radiance. In compassion, Shiva placed him on his head, restoring his glow and granting him immortality through the waxing and waning cycle.

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 The profound bond between Ramana Maharshi and Shiva is reflected in his birth on Arudhra Darshanam, the sacred day celebrating Shiva’s cosmic dance of creation and dissolution.

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