Kirathasunu - Kerala Mural Archive

Detail Photos

Thalore, THL_P007 — Kirathasunu (son of Shiva as Kirata): detail view 1 of 4

Thalore, THL_P007 — Kirathasunu (son of Shiva as Kirata): detail view 2 of 4

Thalore, THL_P007 — Kirathasunu (son of Shiva as Kirata): detail view 3 of 4

Thalore, THL_P007 — Kirathasunu (son of Shiva as Kirata): detail view 4 of 4

Living Tradition · The Present Day

Deity: Kirathasunu Location: Thalore Mahadeva Temple Theme: Local tradition

The panel looks like it is drowning in a sea of saffron-red with the background further decorated with veeralipattu (which literally means the hero’s silk). The figure of Kirathasunu stands out against the backdrop as the personification of the veera rasa. He is depicted with a beard and mustache, holding a sword in one hand and bow and arrow in another. His headgear comprises of peacock feathers. He is depicted as standing in front of a veeralipattu backdrop.

Narrative

Textual Source: Non-narrative
Mythological Tale: Kirathasunu is considered as the son of Shiva and Parvathi as kirathar or forest-dwellers. They took this form in order to test Arjuna who was meditating in the forest.
Episode: Kirathasunu

Iconography

Primary Deity/Figure: Kirathasunu (son of Shiva as Kirata)
Iconographic Form: Kirathasunu
Iconographic Attributes: The green-skinned Kirathasunu holds a sword in one hand and a bow and arrow in another. He is usually depicted as draped in veeralipattu, but in this panel, veeralipattu appears in the backdrop. He has beard and moustache and has a crown made of peacock feathers. His upper garment is saffron in colour.
Visual & Formal Features: Background pattern, Decorative Arch, Facial expression detail, Ornamentation
Rasa: Veera

Spatial & Architectural

Temple: Sanctum
Zone within Temple: Sanctum
Position in Pradakshina Sequence: 6
Adjacent Panels: Subrahmanya, Kiratharjuneeyam (Panel 1), Kiratharjuneeyam (Panel 2)

Condition & Documentation

Condition: Good
Deterioration Type: Pigment loss
Restoration Status: Unrestored
Documentation Type: DSLR full panel
Permission Basis: Temple authorities
Date of Documentation: 22/08/2024
Artist: Senthil
Identifier: THL_P006
Rights / Notes: These images may not be reproduced, redistributed, or used for commercial purposes without prior permission.