Parashurama - Kerala Mural Archive

Kadavil Thrikkovil, KTK_P018 — Parashurama: full panel view

Detail Photos

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

This is a depiction of the Sixth major incarnation of Vishnu. He is depicted with a bow and arrow, which symbolizes his expertise in archery, and also his preferred weapon is an axe. It is believed that he created Kerala by throwing his axe across the ocean.

Iconography

Primary Deity/Figure: Parashurama
Iconographic Form: Parashurama (Vishnu's incarnation)
Iconographic Attributes: Yellow-skinned Parashurama with a long beard and mustache, he is wearing a green upper garment. He is holding an axe in his right hand and a bow and arrow in his left hand. He is sitting in Padmasana. The backdrop is red in color.
Rasa: Shanta

Spatial & Architectural

Zone within Temple: Sanctum
Position in Pradakshina Sequence: 18
Adjacent Panels: Shakthipanchakshari and Dhaanya Lakshmi

Narrative

Textual Source: Non-narrative
Mythological Tale: Parashurama is the son of the Renuka and Jamadagni. He is considered as one of the incarnations or avatars of Vishnu. He was born to get rid of Kshatriyas, whose arrogance was becoming unbearable to other people. He is the guru of Karna in archery and is considered one of the Chiranjivis or immortals. He is an ardent devotee of Shiva and stopped Sri Rama on his way to Ayodhya because Sreerama broke Shiva's bow, the Triambaka.
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: 15/07/2024
Artist: Unknown
Identifier: KTK_P018
Rights / Notes: These images may not be reproduced, redistributed, or used for commercial purposes without prior permission.