Celestial beings - Kerala Mural Archive

Kadavil Thrikkovil, KTK_P016 — Celestial beings: full panel view

Detail Photos

Deity: Celestial Beings Location: Kadavil Thrikkovil Sreekrishna Swamy Temple Theme: Non-narrative Visual Feature: Facial expression detail Visual Feature: Hand gesture (mudra)Visual Feature: Ornamentation

This panel consists of two figures. A female figure is seated on the left, on the right side of the panel, and a male figure is visible on the left side of the panel. The female figure is beautiful. She is green-skinned, wearing a lot of ornaments, holding a tamburu in her hand and playing it. There is a male figure playing an elathalam or cymbal with both his hands. Both of them seem to be enjoying the music.

Iconography

Primary Deity/Figure: Celestial beings
Iconographic Form: None
Iconographic Attributes: A blue-skinned male figure is playing a ilathaalam or cymbal. He is wearing a lot of jewelry and has long hair with flowers in it. He might be a Gandharva. Beside him is a female figure who could be an apsaras; who is green-skinned. She has long black hair decorated with garlands. She is playing a tamburu with both of her hands.
Rasa: Shanta

Spatial & Architectural

Zone within Temple: Sanctum
Position in Pradakshina Sequence: 16
Adjacent Panels: Venugopala and Shakthipanchakshari

Narrative

Textual Source: Non-narrative
Mythological Tale: Gandharvas and apsaras are celestial beings known for their affinity towards the arts, be it music or dance or painting. This image shows a male and female figure who are playing the cymbal and the tamburu, suggesting that they might be apsaras and Gandharva.
Episode: Non-narrative

Condition & Documentation

Condition: Good
Deterioration Type: Pigment loss
Restoration Status: Unrestored
Documentation Type: DSLR full panel
Permission Basis: Temple priest
Date of Documentation: 10/05/2025
Artist: Unknown
Identifier: KTK_P016
Rights / Notes: These images may not be reproduced, redistributed, or used for commercial purposes without prior permission.