Balarama - Kerala Mural Archive

Kadavil Thrikkovil, KTK_P031 — Balarama: full panel view

Detail Photos

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

The image of Balarama is depicted in this panel. He is holding a plough in his right hand and a ulakka or pestle in his left hand. He is wearing a green-colored lower garment and the backdrop is yellowish red in color.

Iconography

Primary Deity/Figure: Balarama
Iconographic Form: Balarama (Vishnu's incarnation)
Iconographic Attributes: White-skinned Balarama with red upper garment, a green dhoti, wearing necklaces, earrings, armlets, bangles, rings, and a crown. A jet of hair rises above the crown. Rest of the hair flows down to his waist. In his right hand he is holding a plough, and in his left hand he is holding an ulakka, or pestle. He is depicted against a yellowish red background.
Rasa: Shanta

Spatial & Architectural

Zone within Temple: Sanctum
Position in Pradakshina Sequence: 31
Adjacent Panels: Shivathandavam and Sreekrishna

Narrative

Textual Source: Non-narrative
Mythological Tale: Balarama is commonly considered as the eighth incarnation of Vishnu. He grew up as the elder brother of Krishna and is known for his expertise with the plough. In this particular depiction, he is holding an ulakka, which used to be a common household instrument in Kerala kitchens. It was used to thresh grains.
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_P031
Rights / Notes: These images may not be reproduced, redistributed, or used for commercial purposes without prior permission.