Kiratharjuneeyam 5 - Kerala Mural Archive

As the battle between Arjuna and Shiva as Kirata progresses, they are hitting each other with bows.

Textual Source: Local tradition
Mythological Tale: As the Pandavas lost the game of dice and was asked to dwell in the forest, Arjuna performed penance to please Lord Shiva. In order to test his devotion and get rid of his arrogance of being the best archer in the world, Shiva took the form of Kirata or forest-dweller and Parvati accompanied him. Shiva then started an argument with Arjuna over who shot the wild boar. An enraged Asura challenged Shiva to a battle of archery, which later progressed into fist fight. Even after several attempts, Arjuna could not defeat the Kirata Shiva. So he started to pray to Shiva by building a small Shivalingam. However, all the offerings placed at the feet of the Shivalingam would fall to the feet of the Kirata Shiva. In the end, Arjuna realized that it was indeed Shiva in the guise of Kirata trying to test him. As soon as he comes to this realization, Shiva and Parvati transform to their original form and granted him the Pashupatastra (arrow) weapon.
Episode: Kiratharjuneeyam
Position within Narrative Sequence: 5 out of 8

Primary Deity/Figure: Shiva and Arjuna
Secondary Figures: None
Iconographic Form: Kiratharjuneeyam
Iconographic Attributes: A green-skinned Arjuna stands next to Shiva (as Kirata); He is holding a bow in his hand and is about to hit Shiva; He wears a red upper garment; red lower garment with green bands; He has a crown, bangles, rings, earrings, necklaces, and armlets; Shiva in the Kirata form has a beard and a mustache; He also has a crown that is decorated with peacock feathers; He wears a green upper jacket and holds the bow in his hand, about to hit Arjuna; He has a crown, bangles, rings, earrings, necklaces, and armlets; Behind them are a set of trees.
Visual & Formal Features: Facial expression detail, Hand gesture (mudra), Ornamentation
Rasa: Veera

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_P019
Rights / Notes: These images may not be reproduced, redistributed, or used for commercial purposes without prior permission.