The celebrated Jagannatha temple at Puri in Orissa was built in the 1100s and is the centre of the cult of the deity Jagannatha, the Lord of the World. This painting shows the principle deity of this famed temple accompanied by his brother Balabhadra (left) and sister Subhadra (centre), their startling, semi-anthropomorphic forms suggesting that they were probably folk or tribal deities eventually incorporated into the pantheon of orthodox Hinduism. While their forms are solid and heavy, the artists' linework is sinuous and rhythmic, revealing an interest in pattern and decorative treatment. Also included are the various shrines, gates and tanks enclosed within that sacred monument, and scenes from the Ramayana. It is likely that a painting such as this would have been produced as a souvenir for pilgrims to the temple.

The Asian Collections, AGNSW, 2003, pg.50.