Kiratharjuneeyam 7 - Kerala Mural Archive

Chemmanthatta, CMT_P022 — Shiva and Arjuna: full panel view

Detail Photos

Chemmanthatta, CMT_P022 — Shiva and Arjuna: detail view 1 of 4

Chemmanthatta, CMT_P022 — Shiva and Arjuna: detail view 2 of 4

Chemmanthatta, CMT_P022 — Shiva and Arjuna: detail view 3 of 4

Chemmanthatta, CMT_P022 — Shiva and Arjuna: detail view 4 of 4

Deity: Arjuna Deity: Shiva Location: Chemmanthatta Mahadeva Temple Theme: Mahabharata

This panel is a continuation of Kiratarjuneeya story. It shows Shiva in his original form: golden skin, three-eyed, and wearing a green upper garment. He is holding a bow and arrow in both of his hands. Arjuna, green-skinned, kneels beside him. He is offering some flowers to Lord Shiva. Most of the colors of this panel are faded.

Narrative

Textual Source: Local tradition
Mythological Tale: As the Pandavas lost the game of dice and was asked to dwell in the forest, Arjuna performed penance to please Lord Shiva. In order to test his devotion and get rid of his arrogance of being the best archer in the world, Shiva took the form of Kirata or forest-dweller and Parvati accompanied him. Shiva then started an argument with Arjuna over who shot the wild boar. An enraged Arjuna challenged Shiva to a battle of archery, which later progressed into fist fight. Even after several attempts, Arjuna could not defeat the Kirata Shiva. So he started to pray to Shiva by building a small Shivalingam. However, all the offerings placed at the feet of the Shivalingam would fall to the feet of the Kirata Shiva. In the end, Arjuna realized that it was indeed Shiva in the guise of Kirata trying to test him. As soon as he comes to this realization, Shiva and Parvati transform to their original form and granted him the Pashupatastra (arrow) weapon.
Episode: Kiratharjuneeyam
Position within Narrative Sequence: 7 out of 8

Iconography

Primary Deity/Figure: Shiva and Arjuna
Secondary Figures: None
Iconographic Form: Kiratharjuneeyam
Iconographic Attributes: Arjuna green-skinned; wearing bangles, rings, a crown, earrings, necklaces ; has an upper garment of unknown colour; lower garment has red and green bands ; is in a kneeling position and has his hands filled with flowers. Shiva stands opposite him; huge; golden skin; wearing a green upper jacket ; holding a bow in his left hand and an arrow in his right hand ; wears a crown upon which Ganga and the crescent moon is visible; is three-eyed; wearing jewelry like earrings, armlets, bangles, rings; Faded panel; there are trees in the backdrop.
Visual & Formal Features: Facial expression detail, Hand gesture (mudra), Ornamentation
Rasa: Shanta

Spatial & Architectural

Zone within Temple: Sanctum
Position in Pradakshina Sequence: 22
Adjacent Panels: Sreekrishnaleela 2, Kiratharjuneeyam 8

Condition & Documentation

Condition: Poor
Deterioration Type: Plaster loss
Restoration Status: Unrestored
Documentation Type: DSLR full panel
Permission Basis: Combined permission
Date of Documentation: 05/08/2024
Artist: Unknown
Identifier: CMT_P022
Rights / Notes: These images may not be reproduced, redistributed, or used for commercial purposes without prior permission.