Rasaleela - Kerala Mural Archive

This is a depiction of Krishna's Rasaleela, where he takes multiple forms of himself, and dances with each individual Gopi.

Textual Source: Non-narrative
Mythological Tale: The Rasaleela describes the divine circular dance performed by Krishna with the gopis (cowherd maidens) of Vrindavan on a moonlit night by the banks of the Yamuna. To fulfil each gopi's longing, Krishna multiplied himself so that every one of them felt she was dancing with him alone. Central to the Bhagavata Purana's "Rasa Panchadhyayi" (five chapters on the Rasa dance), the episode is read theologically as an allegory of the soul's (jivatma) longing for union with the divine (paramatma), rather than as an act of ordinary romance.
Episode: Non narrative

Primary Deity/Figure: Krishna
Secondary Figures: Gopikas
Iconographic Form: Krishna ( Vishnu's incarnation)
Iconographic Attributes: Green-skinned Krishna with yellow lower garment, hands raised in different gestures of dance. He is wearing ornaments including necklaces, earrings, armlets, bands, hip chain, and anklets. There are six of him. He is accompanied by several Gopis who are wearing green-colored lower garment. Their faces are not clear because of damage.
Visual & Formal Features: Background pattern, Facial expression detail, Hand gesture (mudra), Ornamentation
Rasa: Shringara

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_P046
Rights / Notes: These images may not be reproduced, redistributed, or used for commercial purposes without prior permission.