Mohini sketch - Kerala Mural Archive

Deity: Vishnu Location: Mattancherry Palace Theme: Non-narrative Visual Feature: Facial expression detail Visual Feature: Hand gesture (mudra)Visual Feature: Ornamentation

This is a depiction of Mohini, typically seen in the Kerala mural paintings. She has one hand outstretched above her head. It might be holding a ball, but that portion is lost. Her other hand, that is her hand to the left, is holding her lower garment from slipping away. She has long luscious hair and wears earrings, necklaces, armband, and bangles. There are silhouettes of several human heads, faintly visible, looking at Mohini.

Iconography

Primary Deity/Figure: Mohini
Secondary Figures: Several men
Iconographic Form: Mohini
Iconographic Attributes: Figure of Mohini. Right hand raised, left hand holding her lower cloth that is slipping away. Long luscious hair, bare breasted, necklaces, earrings, bangles. She is looking at something in front of her. There are several heads looking at Mohini, but they are not complete.
Rasa: Shanta

Spatial & Architectural

Temple: Palace interior
Zone within Temple: Ladies' chamber
Position in Pradakshina Sequence: Not Applicable
Adjacent Panels: Tippu Sultan and Girijakalyanam

Narrative

Textual Source: Non-narrative
Mythological Tale: Mohini is considered to be an incarnation of Vishnu. As the Devas and asuras were churning the ocean using the mandhara mountain, many treasures came up, including the coveted nectar of immortality, amrith. As a fight ensured between Devas and Asuras as to who should consume the amrith, Vishnu took the form of the beautiful Mohini and actedas the mediator between the two groups. The asuras were mesmerised by her beauty and using that as a distraction, Mohini served all the amrit to the Devas. In Kerala murals, thereis a depiction of Mohini and Shiva together, with Godess Parvathi looking away at their union. Ayyappa or Shasthav was born of their union and went on to kill the demoness Mahishi.
Episode: Non-narrative

Condition & Documentation

Condition: Good
Deterioration Type: Other
Restoration Status: Not Applicable
Documentation Type: DSLR full panel
Permission Basis: ASI permission
Date of Documentation: 01/08/2024
Artist: Unknown
Identifier: MCP_P009
Rights / Notes: These images may not be reproduced, redistributed, or used for commercial purposes without prior permission.