Shivamohini - Kerala Mural Archive

Kadavil Thrikkovil, KTK_P011 — Shiva and Mohini: full panel view

Detail Photos

Deity: Mohini Deity: Shiva Location: Kadavil Thrikkovil Sreekrishna Swamy Temple Theme: Local tradition

The image depicts the union of Shiva and Mohini. Shiva is seen embracing Mohini with two of his lower arms, while Mohini is standing there with a shy expression on her face, preventing her sari from coming undone.

Narrative

Textual Source: Local tradition
Mythological Tale: Mahishi the asura woman gained a boon, which granted her the wish that she would be murdered only at the hands of a child born of the union of Shiva and Vishnu. Believing that this can never be possible, she chose this particular boon. Vishnu however took the form of Mohini and seduced Shiva, and a child Ayappa was born to them. Ayappa grew up in Panthala and went on to slay Mahishi.
Episode: Ayyappacharitham
Position within Narrative Sequence: 2 out of 3

Iconography

Primary Deity/Figure: Shiva and Mohini
Iconographic Form: Shiva and Mohini (Vishnu's incarnation)
Iconographic Attributes: Golden skin, four-armed Shiva with three eyes. He has a crescent moon in his hair along with Ganga. His upper left hand holds a deer. His upper left hand, upper right hand is holding a mace, an axe. One of his lower arms are holding onto Mohini, embracing her. The other hand is raised above her, Mohini's head, fondling her. He is wearing a skull necklace, leopard skin. Mohini is wearing a white saree. Her saree is coming undone. She is wearing ornate jewelry. She has two arms. One of the visible arms is stopping the saree from coming undone. She has long black hair, adorned with flowers.
Visual & Formal Features: Facial expression detail, Hand gesture (mudra), Ornamentation
Rasa: Shringara

Spatial & Architectural

Zone within Temple: Sanctum
Position in Pradakshina Sequence: 11
Adjacent Panels: Ayyappajananam and Mohini

Condition & Documentation

Condition: Fair
Deterioration Type: Pigment loss
Restoration Status: Unrestored
Documentation Type: DSLR full panel
Permission Basis: Temple priest
Date of Documentation: 15/07/2024
Artist: Unknown
Identifier: KTK_P011
Rights / Notes: These images may not be reproduced, redistributed, or used for commercial purposes without prior permission.