Krishna defeating an Elephant - Kerala Mural Archive

Krishna fighting a huge elephant while Balarama looks on.

Textual Source: Bhagavata Purana
Mythological Tale: Krishna and Balarama entered Mathura in order to defeat Kamsa. At the entrance, they met with a huge intoxicated elephant named Kuvalayapida. The elephant charged towards the boys and tried to stomp them to death, but Krishna managed to grab hold of the elephant and instantly killed him.
Episode: Krishna storming into Mathura

Primary Deity/Figure: Krishna
Secondary Figures: Balarama
Iconographic Form: Krishna (Vishnu's incarnation)
Iconographic Attributes: Blue-skinned Krishna, wearing ornaments and a yellow lower garment, has two of his arms holding the tusks of the elephant. His left leg is raised up, stomping on the elephant. His right leg is placed on the floor. The elephant is huge, black-colored, with long tusks. Balarama stands nearby. He is golden-skinned, wearing jewelry and a bluish lower cloth. He has a crown on his head and some sort of weapon in his hand, which may possibly be the plough.
Visual & Formal Features: Background pattern, Facial expression detail, Hand gesture (mudra), Ornamentation
Rasa: Shanta

Condition: Fair
Deterioration Type: Pigment loss
Restoration Status: Unrestored
Documentation Type: DSLR full panel
Permission Basis: Temple authorities
Date of Documentation: 08/08/2024
Artist: Neelakantan Ilayath
Identifier: ASG_P025
Rights / Notes: These images may not be reproduced, redistributed, or used for commercial purposes without prior permission.