Shakthipanchakshari - Kerala Mural Archive

Kadavil Thrikkovil, KTK_P017 — Shiva and Parvathy: full panel view

Detail Photos

Kadavil Thrikkovil, KTK_P017 — Shiva and Parvathy: detail view

Deity: Parvathi Deity: Shiva Location: Kadavil Thrikkovil Sreekrishna Swamy Temple Theme: Non-narrative Visual Feature: Background pattern Visual Feature: Facial expression detail Visual Feature: Hand gesture (mudra)Visual Feature: Ornamentation

shivan and Parvati are seated together in a forest-like backdrop. There are faded figures of Ganapathi and Subrahmanya at the bottom of the panel A silhouette of Subrahmaniya’s mount peacock can be seen. Shiva is holding Parvati’s breast with one of his four hands. The other three are in abhaya mudra, holding the deer and axe. Green-skinned Parvathy stands to the rightof shivan, possibly on his lap. A large section of this panel is lost.

Iconography

Primary Deity/Figure: Shiva and Parvathy
Secondary Figures: Ganapathi, Subrahmanya
Iconographic Form: Shakthipanchakshari
Iconographic Attributes: Golden-skinned shivan is depicted alongside Golden-skinned Parvathy; shivan has four arms each holding a deeer, and axe. His lower right hand is in abhaya mudra;his lower left hand is holding Parvathi’s left nipple; Both of them are decked in jewellery including a crown, armlets, rings, necklaces and earrings; silhouettes of Ganesha and a peacock mounted Subrahmaniya; forest motif in the background.
Rasa: Shanta

Spatial & Architectural

Zone within Temple: Sanctum
Position in Pradakshina Sequence: 17
Adjacent Panels: Celestial Beings and Parashurama

Narrative

Textual Source: Non-narrative
Mythological Tale: This scene shows the balance between masculine and feminine energy. shivan and Parvati are the central figures, and are surrounded by their children Ganesha and Subrahmanya. This is a common depiction found in Kerala mural paintings. Nandi is usually depicted at the feet of the Gods.
Episode: Non-narrative

Condition & Documentation

Condition: Poor
Deterioration Type: Pigment loss
Restoration Status: Unrestored
Documentation Type: DSLR full panel
Permission Basis: Temple priest
Date of Documentation: 10/05/2025
Artist: Unknown
Identifier: KTK_P017
Rights / Notes: These images may not be reproduced, redistributed, or used for commercial purposes without prior permission.