Shaktipanchakshari - Kerala Mural Archive

Detail Photos

Thalore, THL_P015 — Shiva, Parvathi: detail view 1 of 9

Thalore, THL_P015 — Shiva, Parvathi: detail view 2 of 9

Thalore, THL_P015 — Shiva, Parvathi: detail view 3 of 9

Thalore, THL_P015 — Shiva, Parvathi: detail view 4 of 9

Thalore, THL_P015 — Shiva, Parvathi: detail view 5 of 9

Thalore, THL_P015 — Shiva, Parvathi: detail view 6 of 9

Thalore, THL_P015 — Shiva, Parvathi: detail view 7 of 9

Thalore, THL_P015 — Shiva, Parvathi: detail view 8 of 9

Thalore, THL_P015 — Shiva, Parvathi: detail view 9 of 9

Living Tradition · The Present Day

Deity: Parvathi Location: Thalore Mahadeva Temple Theme: Devi Mahatmya

Shiva and Parvathi are seated together on a lotus flower blooming over a water body.There are Ganapathi and Subrahmanya, on their respective mounts: the mouse and the peacock. Kali and Veerabhadra stand on either side with anjali mudra. Narada onlooks the scene while holding his veena. A sage is also seen in anjali mudra. Shiva is holding Parvathi’s breast with one of his four hands. The other three are in abhaya mudra, holding the deer and axe.

Narrative

Textual Source: Devi Mahatmya
Mythological Tale: This scene mirrors that depicted in Mattancherry palace and shows the balance between masculine and feminine energy. Shiva and Parvathi are the central figures, and are surrounded by their children Ganapathi and Subrahmanya. This is a common depiction found in Kerala mural paintings. Nandi is at the feet of the Gods.
Episode: Shakti Panchakshari

Iconography

Primary Deity/Figure: Shiva, Parvathi
Secondary Figures: Ganapathi, Kali, Narada, Subrahmanya, Veerabhadra; Sage
Iconographic Form: Shaktipanchakshari
Iconographic Attributes: Shiva and Parvathi are golden-skinned. Shiva wears the tiger-skin clothes. Shiva has four arms , two of which holds the axe and deer. His other two arms hold Parvathi’s breast and the other is held up in abhaya mudra. Parvathi is seen holding a lotus flower in her arms; has long flowing hair decked with flowers. Shiva’s mount Nandi the bull lays at their feet. Ganapathi has his elephant trunk face and human body; is golden-skinned; seated on his mount, the mouse. Subrahmanya is depicted to the right, holding his vel or spear; riding the peacock. Green-skinned Kali and Veerabhadra stands on their left and right respectively; they have fangs and is holding the anjali mudra. Veerabhadra has a gada or mace. Narada is seen holding his veena. A sage is also seen to the left, wearing the rudraksha in his matted hair; he is also holding his hand in anjali mudra.
Visual & Formal Features: Background pattern, Facial expression detail, Hand gesture (mudra), Ornamentation
Rasa: Shanta

Spatial & Architectural

Temple: Sanctum
Zone within Temple: Sanctum
Position in Pradakshina Sequence: 14
Adjacent Panels: Woman Carrying a Basket of Lotuses, Girijakalyanam

Condition & Documentation

Condition: Excellent
Deterioration Type: None observed
Restoration Status: Unrestored
Documentation Type: DSLR full panel
Permission Basis: Temple authorities
Date of Documentation: 22/08/2024
Artist: Senthil
Identifier: THL_P014
Rights / Notes: These images may not be reproduced, redistributed, or used for commercial purposes without prior permission.