Parasurama - Kerala Mural Archive

Detail Photos

Deity: Vishnu Location: Peruvanam Mahadeva Temple Theme: Non-narrative Visual Feature: Facial expression detail Visual Feature: Hand gesture (mudra)Visual Feature: Ornamentation

A golden-skinned Parasurama is depicted here standing upright, holding a bow in his right hand and a parasu or axe in the left. He has a moustache and beard and wears many ornaments including an ornate crown. He wears a green dhoti or lower garment and a red upper garment.

Iconography

Primary Deity/Figure: Parasurama
Iconographic Form: Parasurama (Vishnu’s incarnation)
Iconographic Attributes: Golden-skinned; standing upright; two hands; bow on the right hand; axe on the left hand; ornate crown; decked in jwellery; has moustache and beard; wears green dhoti or lower garment; red upper garment; green backdrop.
Rasa: Veera

Spatial & Architectural

Zone within Temple: Sanctum
Position in Pradakshina Sequence: 4
Adjacent Panels: Subrahmanya

Narrative

Textual Source: Non-narrative
Mythological Tale: Parasurama is considered the sixth avathar or reincarnation of Vishnu and was born inorder to curb the arrogance of the Kshathriya kings. He was born as the son of sage Jamadagni and Renuka, and is believed to be well-versed in archery (perhaps why he is depicted with a bow). He was the teacher of Karna, who went to him in the guise of being a Brahmin. However, when Parasurama later realised the truth, he cursed Karna to forget whatever he learnt at the moment he needed it the most. This curse eventually lead to the death of Karna in the Kurukshethra war at the hands of Arjuna. Parasurama circled the world eighteen times and defeated the Kshatriyas eighteen times (this number varies across texts). Parasu or axe depicted in the painting is his weapon of choice. According to local myths, he threw his axe across the sea, leading to the creation of Kerala. Parasurama is also known to be an ardent devotee of Shiva and challenged Sreerama when he broke Siva’s dhanush, (or bow) Pinaka. He is believed to be immortal (or chiranjeevi).
Episode: Non-narrative

Condition & Documentation

Condition: Fair
Deterioration Type: Pigment loss
Restoration Status: Unrestored
Documentation Type: DSLR full panel
Permission Basis: Combined permission
Date of Documentation: 03/08/2024
Artist: Unknown
Identifier: PVM_P005
Rights / Notes: These images may not be reproduced, redistributed, or used for commercial purposes without prior permission.