Parvati पार्वती | The Lion at the Altar | Museum Poster

पार्वती | Before the goddess arrives, child, her altar is already keeping watch. The great lion drowses on the velvet, her vahana, the gold of his mane catching the lamplight. The lotus is open. The Sri Yantra waits on the cloth. Rudraksha beads coiled by the box, vermilion in the bowl, honey poured into the dish. She does not need the temple bells. She does not need anyone to call her. The lion knows when she is near. So does the lotus. So will you, if you watch quietly enough at your own small altar.