Ayyappa jananam - Kerala Mural Archive

Vishnu handing over baby Ayyappa to Parvati as Shiva looks on. The panel is mostly faded, but the images are discernible.

Primary Deity/Figure: Ayyappan
Secondary Figures: Parvathi, Shiva, Vishnu
Iconographic Form: Ayyappan
Iconographic Attributes: Green-skinned, four-armed Vishnu, with a chakra in his right hand and a shankha in his left, upper left hand. His other two arms are holding baby Ayyappa, green-skinned, tiny infant without any clothes or ornaments. Shiva is golden-skinned, with three eyes, a necklace made of skull. His left hand raised up in Vyakhyana mudra. He is wearing serpent as his earring. He has matted locks, smiling at the baby. Green-skinned Parvati with long hair, decorated with flowers, wearing lots of jewelry and an ornate crown, is holding out her arms to carry the baby.
Rasa: Shanta

Textual Source: Local tradition
Mythological Tale: In order to end the tyranny of Mahishi, Vishnu took the form of Mohini and seduced Shiva. A child was born to them, who was called Ayyappa. Ayyappa grew up in the Pandala Raja's court as his adopted son. He eventually killed Mahishi and is now worshipped as Ayyappa Swami with his shrine on top of Shabarimala.
Episode: Ayyappacharitham
Position within Narrative Sequence: 3 out of 3

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_P010
Rights / Notes: These images may not be reproduced, redistributed, or used for commercial purposes without prior permission.