Venugopalan - Kerala Mural Archive

Detail Photos

Deity: Krishna Location: Peruvanam Mahadeva Temple Theme: Non-narrative Visual Feature: Facial expression detail Visual Feature: Ornamentation

This damaged panel depicts Krishna as Venugopala. He is green-skinned, wears a yellow lower garment and is adorned with jewellery including a crown with peacock feathers attached to the top. He is standing with his legs crossed and has a flute in both his hands. He holds it close to his lips and is depicted as playing the flute with dedication.

Iconography

Primary Deity/Figure: Krishna
Iconographic Form: Venugopala
Iconographic Attributes: Green-skinned Krishna; plays a yellow flue; wears yellow lower garment; wears bangles, armbands, anklets, necklaces, earrings, rings and a crown; has peacock feathers over his crown; stands cross-legged.
Rasa: Shanta

Spatial & Architectural

Zone within Temple: Sanctum
Position in Pradakshina Sequence: 17
Adjacent Panels: Hanuman, Swayamvara Parvathi

Narrative

Textual Source: Non-narrative
Mythological Tale: Krisha is the ninth reincarnation of Vishnu. Born to Vasudeva and Devaki, Krishna was transferred to the custody of Nandagopa and Yashoda who raised him like their own son. This was done to protect Krishna from the clutches of Kamsa. At Vrindavan Krishna took on the role of a gopala (which literally means “one who takes care of the cattle”). While caring for the cows in the forest, Krishna would carry his flute with him, which he would then play to mesmerize the cattle, people and even then entire nature itself. Krishna as Venugopala is a recurring motif in Kerala mural paintings.
Episode: Non-narrative

Condition & Documentation

Condition: Fair
Deterioration Type: Plaster loss
Restoration Status: Unrestored
Documentation Type: DSLR full panel
Permission Basis: Combined permission
Date of Documentation: 03/08/2024
Artist: Unknown
Identifier: PVM_P018
Rights / Notes: These images may not be reproduced, redistributed, or used for commercial purposes without prior permission.