Vamanan - Kerala Mural Archive

Alangad, ASG_P021 — Vamanan: full panel view

Detail Photos

Deity: Vamanan Location: Alangad Sree Santana Gopala Murthy Temple Theme: Non-narrative Visual Feature: Background pattern Visual Feature: Facial expression detail Visual Feature: Hand gesture (mudra)Visual Feature: Ornamentation

This image shows Vamana stepping on the head of Mahabali. Vamana is depicted as a child, with a stick in his hand and his other hand on his hips. Mahabali holds his hands together in anjali mudra, accepting his fate.

Iconography

Primary Deity/Figure: Vamanan
Iconographic Form: Vamanan (Vishnu's incarnation)
Iconographic Attributes: Brahmin boy with yellow dhoti and white with golden bordered uttareeya, rudraksha mala, hair to his shoulders, bangles, anklet, a stick on his left hand, right hand resting at his waist, leg placed on Mahabali's head, dark complexion of Mahabali, wearing a bluish green upper garment and jewelry, his head bent, his eyes closed, hands in anjali mudra.
Rasa: Shanta

Spatial & Architectural

Position in Pradakshina Sequence: 21
Adjacent Panels: Venugopalan with Radha, and Mahalakshmi

Narrative

Textual Source: Non-narrative
Mythological Tale: Vamana is the fifth incarnation or avatar of Vishnu. He came in the form of a little Brahmin boy and asked for alms from the asura King Mahabali. Mahabali, being a generous man, offered the boy anything that he wants. Vamana asked for three feet of land. Mahabali agreed. Suddenly the boy turned into a huge figure. With one stride, he covered the entire earth. With the second stride, he covered the entire sky, and he asked Mahabali where to place his third stride, and Mahabali offered his own head. Vamana placed the third stride on top of Mahabali's head, causing Mahabali to descent to Patala loka. Vamana was moved by Mahabali's dedication towards keeping his promise. He granted him a boon that Mahabali will be able to visit his people once a year. This returning, or this homecoming of Mahabali, is celebrated in Kerala as the festival of Onam, where houses prepare floral carpets as a way to invite Mahabali into their homes.
Episode: Non narrative

Condition & Documentation

Condition: Fair
Deterioration Type: Pigment loss
Restoration Status: Unrestored
Documentation Type: DSLR full panel
Permission Basis: Temple authorities
Date of Documentation: 08/08/2024
Artist: Neelakantan Ilayath
Identifier: ASG_P021
Rights / Notes: These images may not be reproduced, redistributed, or used for commercial purposes without prior permission.