Lord Ram sacrificing his lotus eye

"Before entering into the war with Ravan Lord Ram worshipped Devi Durga to ensure his victory. For this he needed 108 blue lotuses. He gathered the same but when he counted them it came out to be 107 which was a part of the test from Devi Durga to judge his devotion. Lord Ram did not hesitate to donate his eyes in place of the missing lotus as he was also known as Kamalnayan (Lotus eyed). Devi Durga was pleased and blessed him with the boon of Victory. This incident inspired me to draw this painting as this not only shows the quality of Maryada Purushottam Ram that he Respected Godess inspite being a God himself but he also wanted us to follow Dharma with the Karma."

This painting by artist Anupama Jayal (36 years), Shortlisted in Khula Aasmaan Ramayana art contest.

See the short video about this artwork