Project Commander Ṅeṅkaḥ here. We have not had the easiest time getting word out about the project, and not very many people know about it yet. Hopefully, more artists will hear about future Art Contests. Fortunately though, we have received one incredible entry from Shaman Torbak, and one incredible entry is all we need!
Here is the explanation of the Insignia design that Shaman Torbak included with his entry:
The main figure coming down the center represents the demigods and demons churning Mandara Mountain. We also wanted to include one element from each of the three Mystic Insignias. The first, from the Insignia of Kūrma, is the large outside disc. From the Insignia of Bali, we took the flower garland, and also placed it to the right (of the wearer), because of the incident with the demons not wanting to take the tail end of the Nāga. Lastly, there are the two discs of Lakṣmī-Nārāyaṇa placed to the left, and in a vertical alignment, since Goddess Lakṣmī was choosing where to go right when these events were occurring, and had not yet chosen Lord Viṣṇu’s chest as her eternal resting place. With respect to colors, the white background is for the Ocean of Milk. The green coloring of everything else was chosen because green is often associated with vegetarianism (like a green leaf next to vegetarian dishes on a menu).
There is also the strong suggestion of some strange face in the design. The first thing that comes to mind is that it is some strange denizen of Mandara Mountain, focused and determined to do everything he can to make sure that the Churning of the Milk Ocean happens and goes off without a hitch. If the King of Nāgaloka is not fitted around Mandara Mountain quite right, he will be there to adjust the position of the serpent coil. If Mandara Mountain is not balanced quite right on Lord Kūrma’s back, he will see to the matter quickly.
Or it could certainly be the face of a Head Prasādam Cook, entering the temple kitchen to lead up the preparation of a sumptuous feast for 1000 expected guests. He has a major task ahead of him, and he’s on a mission, his eyes expertly assessing everything, his third eye blazing, his mouth set in determination, ready to command the troops and get the job done, and prepare the Feast of the Gods!
The design can also be reversed, which seems to give quite a different impression:
The tilaka marking stands out immediately, and something about the positioning of everything seems to suggest the humble Vaiṣṇava. Even though the Head Prasādam Cook may be on a divine mission, and commanding the troops, we wouldn’t want to forget about the humble Vaiṣṇava part (hard though it may be).
In a pinback button form, the Insignia could be pinned either way. With special editions in solid stone and that kind of thing, a hole can be put in both the top and bottom, so it can be hung either way.
It should be remembered that the mystic meanings of the śālagrāma disc patterns are explained in Padma Purāna by no less than Lord Kṛṣṇa himself, the Master of all Mystics. As for the flower garland, it was a garland that would never fade and die, given to Bali Mahārāja by Prahlāda Mahārāja. Similarly, this Culinary Institute shall never die for as long as the universe shall continue! At the end of Kālī-yuga, when Lord Kalki has finished slaying the millions, He will come to the Institute’s Signature Restaurant to have lunch afterwards!
Directly from Shaman Torbak himself! We plan to have this incredible Insignia available in button form within a matter of days. We need to fundraise here, and needed a great original design for this Insignia, which we do believe we have here. We will accept some comments and feedback for a few days, and then make this Insignia design official.
Interesting. Kind of minimalist. (Total opposite of what I tend to do!). I was wondering if the ocean of milk has any waves?
Thanks for your response and feedback Mother Arundhati. Perhaps you will print out the image, and paint over it, adding various details as desired, and then take a good scan of your finished work and send it in. Perhaps you will give us the non-minimalist version, with waves of milk included.
Not sure that’s doable. Possibly. I don’t have the necessary tools here that I had at school. But I was wondering if the Ocean of Milk has waves. Maybe it is completely a Still ocean. There must be a description somewhere in SB.
Well, if it is doable of course. And yes, there do appear to have been waves in the Ocean of Milk, as described in Srimad Bhagavatam 8:7:15: “By the grace of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, clouds appeared on the sea, pouring torrents of rain, and breezes blew, carrying particles of water from the sea waves, to give the demigods relief.”