The Accidental Artist: How a YouTube Video Turned Dr. Haripriya Narsimhan into a Mandala Icon

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With digital art taking center stage, Dr. Haripriya Narsimhan from Hyderabad stands out with just a black gel pen and white paper. Known as India’s “Queen of Mandalas,” she has turned a chance encounter with a YouTube video into a celebrated art form that resonates across cultures and continents.

Life often leads us to our true passions in unexpected ways. For Dr. Haripriya, it all began when she stumbled upon a mandala tutorial online. What started as mere curiosity soon became an obsession. “I was captivated by the patterns and their deeper meanings, but I soon realized that intricate designs were not commonly explored. I introduced complexity into mandalas”, she shares. Despite having no formal training in mandala art, her dedication to exploring its significance distinguished her from others. “I wanted to explore their origins and their role in personal growth,” she adds.

Her journey from Chennai to Hyderabad has been a blend of passion and persistence. Over the past 16 years, she has honed her skills, finding inspiration in the historical and cultural significance of mandalas. As she delved deeper, she discovered that mandalas symbolize the interconnectedness of life, starting from a single point and expanding outward—a concept that connected deeply with her.

Completing an A4-sized mandala takes Dr. Haripriya about 50-60 hours of careful work, while an A3-sized piece can take anywhere from one and a half to two months to finish. Using only a black gel pen and white paper, she believes these colors symbolize deeper meanings—white for purity and spirituality, black for individuality and deep thinking. “Mandala art teaches patience, focus, and inner calm,” she says. Dr. Haripriya has been honored with more than 650 awards at both national and international levels. This includes accolades from the London Book of World Records and the Telangana Book of Records, as well as a letter of appreciation from India’s Prime Minister.

More than just beautiful designs, her mandalas reflect life’s complexities. “Every dark and light space represents life’s challenges and moments of clarity,” she explains. Within the constraints of circles, triangles, and dots, she finds infinite creative possibilities. “It’s a paradox—limitations that offer complete freedom to express one’s emotions,” she notes. For Dr. Haripriya, the process of creating each mandala is a form of meditation, a way to center her thoughts and bring balance to her life.

Through collaborations with international galleries such as the International Indian Folk Art Gallery in Australia, the US Art Gallery Assam, and the Revival of Tribal and Folk Art Foundation in Jharkhand, Dr. Haripriya ‘s art has reached people far beyond India’s borders. “Mandalas connect with everyone, regardless of culture or language,” she affirms.

Amidst the pressures of modern life, Dr. Haripriya sees mandala art as a form of meditation. “People are always in a rush, rarely taking time to reflect. Mandala art allows us to slow down and find peace,” she says. She hopes to inspire the younger generation to embrace this art form as a way to build focus and reduce stress. “Kids today are constantly running without knowing why. Mandalas teach them patience and self-acceptance.”

Dr. Haripriya expresses her heartfelt thanks to her family, friends, and the community for their constant support and belief in her work. She humbly shares, ‘My art humbles me, reminding me that I am merely an instrument or channel for creativity.’

Alongside her artistic pursuits, she actively conducts online and offline mandala art classes to promote this traditional art form and spread awareness about its significance and benefits.  Her advice to aspiring artists is simple yet profound: “Start from scratch, avoid shortcuts, and find your unique style. Art is a reflection of one’s soul, not a race to perfection.” Dr. Haripriya’s commitment to originality is deep-rooted—she believes that artists should focus on their personal creativity rather than replicating others’ work.

Looking ahead, Dr. Haripriya envisions mandala art playing a larger role in fostering mindfulness and focus, especially among younger generations. “Each person has their own journey and strengths. Mandala art helps in self-discovery and mental well-being,” she believes. Her intricate designs do more than just fill spaces on paper; they inspire mindfulness, self-reflection, and a return to simplicity in an increasingly complex world. As she pursues her passion, Dr. Haripriya continues to inspire others, proving that true art lies not in complexity but in the ability to touch hearts, one circle at a time.

We sincerely thank Dr. Haripriya Narsimhan for sharing her incredible journey with SheSight. Her story is truly remarkable, and we extend our best wishes for her ongoing artistic journey.

Staff Reporter