Ashtabuja Venugopala - Kerala Mural Archive

Chemmanthatta, CMT_P024 — Krishna: full panel view

Detail Photos

Chemmanthatta, CMT_P024 — Krishna: detail view 1 of 6

Chemmanthatta, CMT_P024 — Krishna: detail view 2 of 6

Chemmanthatta, CMT_P024 — Krishna: detail view 3 of 6

Chemmanthatta, CMT_P024 — Krishna: detail view 4 of 6

Chemmanthatta, CMT_P024 — Krishna: detail view 5 of 6

Chemmanthatta, CMT_P024 — Krishna: detail view 6 of 6

Deity: Krishna Location: Chemmanthatta Mahadeva Temple Theme: Non-narrative

Ashtabuja Venugopala or the eight-armed Krishna is one of the rare depictions of Sreekrishnan. In this panel, Krishna’s image is completely faded away. He is sitting under a muthukoda (ornamental umbrella or canopy) and is being bathed in pears or jewels by two Gopis on either side of him. The Gopi on the right is yellow-skinned and the one on the right is green-skinned. There are two other Gopis, both on the right side. One of them is clearly visible with green skin standing upright. The other figure though unclear has an ornate croen. She might possibly be kneeling near Krishna’s leg. Krishna is sitting cross-legged perhaps on a pedestal or throne. This posture is called padmasans. The Gopis are smiling at Krishna

Narrative

Textual Source: Non-narrative
Mythological Tale: Krishna is the ninth reincarnation of Vishnu. Born to Vasudeva and Devaki, Krishna was transferred to the custody of Nandagopa and Yashoda who raised him like their own son. This was done to protect Krishna from the clutches of Kamsa. In his depiction as ashtabuja Venugopala, he is depicted with ashta or eight buja or arms, two of which is holding a venu or flute raised to his lips. This is a rare depiction of Krishna. In this posture, he usually is surrounded by Gopis or cowherd women of Vrindavan.
Episode: Non-narrative

Iconography

Primary Deity/Figure: Krishna
Secondary Figures: Gopis
Iconographic Form: Krishna (Vishnu’s incarnation)
Iconographic Attributes: Krishna is decked with jewellery over his body and in this faded image, his ornate crown is visible; in padmasana posture; lower garment has green and red stripes; Two gopis on either side; one sitting below the right feet of Krishna; the green-skinned Gopi on the top left pours some pearls from a pot; green-coloured Gopi to the bottom right is holding something in her hand; golden-skinned Gopi to the left of Krishna is also pouring what looks like beads or some other object over Krishna; only the crown of a fourth Gopi is visible; Krishna and Gopis are decked in jewellery; there is a muthucoda or umbrella canopy over his head; there are also some creepers in the background.
Visual & Formal Features: Facial expression detail, Hand gesture (mudra), Ornamentation
Rasa: Shringara

Spatial & Architectural

Zone within Temple: Sanctum
Position in Pradakshina Sequence: 24
Adjacent Panels: Kiratharjuneeyam 8, Venugopala

Condition & Documentation

Condition: Poor
Deterioration Type: Plaster loss
Restoration Status: Unrestored
Documentation Type: DSLR full panel
Permission Basis: Combined permission
Date of Documentation: 05/08/2024
Artist: Unknown
Identifier: CMT_P024
Rights / Notes: These images may not be reproduced, redistributed, or used for commercial purposes without prior permission.