Girijakalyanam - Kerala Mural Archive

Detail Photos

Thalore, THL_P016 — Shiva, Parvathi: detail view 1 of 7

Thalore, THL_P016 — Shiva, Parvathi: detail view 2 of 7

Thalore, THL_P016 — Shiva, Parvathi: detail view 3 of 7

Thalore, THL_P016 — Shiva, Parvathi: detail view 4 of 7

Thalore, THL_P016 — Shiva, Parvathi: detail view 5 of 7

Thalore, THL_P016 — Shiva, Parvathi: detail view 6 of 7

Thalore, THL_P016 — Shiva, Parvathi: detail view 7 of 7

Living Tradition · The Present Day

Deity: Parvathi Deity: Shiva Location: Thalore Mahadeva Temple Theme: Shiva Purana

Shiva marries Parvathi while Himavan and Menaka (Parvathi’s parents) looks on, blessing the couple. Brahma, Vishnu, Nandi, other Devas and sages are also present. Two sages conduct the ritual by offering what is likely ghee to the sacred fire.

Narrative

Textual Source: Shiva Purana
Mythological Tale: Parvathi went on a penance to marry Shiva and Shiva finally agreed to the marriage. Being the daughter of Himavan, she was married off to Shiva in the presence of her parents, sages, Devas and bhootaganas.
Episode: Girija Kalyanam (wedding of Shiva and Parvathi)

Iconography

Primary Deity/Figure: Shiva, Parvathi
Secondary Figures: Brahma, Himavan, Menaka, Nandi, Narada, Vishnu; Sages
Iconographic Form: Girijakalyanam
Iconographic Attributes: Both Shiva and Parvathi are depicted as golden-skinned and is adorned with jewels from head to toe. Shiva has four arms , two of which holds the axe and deer. The other two hands hold a flower garland which he places over Parvathi’s head. He has serpent as his ear ornament; rudraksha maala; tiger-skin lower garment; necklace of skulls; matted locks; Ganga, serpent, and crescent moon on his hair. Parvathi stands with long flowing hair decorated with flowers and she is also holding a flower garland. Himavan is a bearded figure with expression of joy in his face. His arms are raised in abhaya mudra. Menaka, his wife is also depicted alongside the inner circle, face lit with joy, with hands folded in anjali mudra. The sages and devas seem to shower flowers on the newly married couple, several of them including Nandi and Brahma are in anjali mudra. Narada has his veena in his hands. Brahma is white-skinned with three heads. Blue-skinned Four armed Vishnu seems to bless the couple from above. He has his sudarshana chakra and conch shell shankhu in two of his hands. Two sages wearing rudraksha and matted hair perform the ceremony.
Visual & Formal Features: Facial expression detail, Hand gesture (mudra), Ornamentation
Rasa: Shanta

Spatial & Architectural

Temple: Sanctum
Zone within Temple: Sanctum
Position in Pradakshina Sequence: 15
Adjacent Panels: Shaktipanchakshari, Shivathandava

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_P015
Rights / Notes: These images may not be reproduced, redistributed, or used for commercial purposes without prior permission.