Kiratharjuneeyam (Panel 2) - Kerala Mural Archive

Detail Photos

Thalore, THL_P009 — Shiva (as Kirata), Arjuna: detail view 1 of 5

Thalore, THL_P009 — Shiva (as Kirata), Arjuna: detail view 2 of 5

Thalore, THL_P009 — Shiva (as Kirata), Arjuna: detail view 3 of 5

Thalore, THL_P009 — Shiva (as Kirata), Arjuna: detail view 4 of 5

Thalore, THL_P009 — Shiva (as Kirata), Arjuna: detail view 5 of 5

Living Tradition · The Present Day

Deity: Arjuna Deity: Shiva Location: Thalore Mahadeva Temple Theme: Mahabharata

Shiva and Arjuna engage in a fist fight over who killed the wild boar depicted in the background. Parvathi stands to the side, looking at the fight with interest. She holds a peacock feather and a basket of fruits. Her pet dog stands and watches the fight on the other side. There is a rich forest backdrop.

Narrative

Textual Source: Mahabharata
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 Parvathi 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 Parvathi transform to their original form and granted him the Pashupatastra (arrow) weapon.
Episode: Kiratharjuneeyam (Arjuna and the hunter)
Position within Narrative Sequence: Panel 2 of 4

Iconography

Primary Deity/Figure: Shiva (as Kirata), Arjuna
Secondary Figures: Parvathi
Iconographic Form: Kiratharjuneeyam
Iconographic Attributes: Kirata Shiva and Arjuna engage in a fist fight as Kiratha Parvathi onlooks. The cause of dispute, the wild boar is shown in the background with an arrow in his mane.
Visual & Formal Features: Background pattern, Facial expression detail, Hand gesture (mudra), Ornamentation
Rasa: Shanta

Spatial & Architectural

Temple: Sanctum
Zone within Temple: Sanctum
Position in Pradakshina Sequence: 7
Adjacent Panels: Kirathasunu, Kiratharjuneeyam (Panel 3), Kiratharjuneeyam (Panel 4)

Condition & Documentation

Condition: Excellent
Deterioration Type: None observed
Restoration Status: Unrestored
Documentation Type: DSLR full panel
Permission Basis: Temple authorities
Date of Documentation: 22/08/2024
Artist: Senthil
Identifier: THL_P008
Rights / Notes: These images may not be reproduced, redistributed, or used for commercial purposes without prior permission.