Vamanan - Kerala Mural Archive

This heavily damaged panel is of Vamana in the form of a little boy, holding a stick in his right hand and his left hand rests on his thighs.

Textual Source: Non-narrative
Mythological Tale: Vamana is the fifth incarnation or avatar of Vishnu. He came in the form of a little Brahmin boy and asked for alms from the asura King Mahabali. Mahabali, being a generous man, offered the boy anything that he wants. Vamana asked for three feet of land. Mahabali agreed. Suddenly the boy turned into a huge figure. With one stride, he covered the entire earth. With the second stride, he covered the entire sky, and he asked Mahabali where to place his third stride, and Mahabali offered his own head. Vamana placed the third stride on top of Mahabali's head, causing Mahabali to descent to Patala loka. Vamana was moved by Mahabali's dedication towards keeping his promise. He granted him a boon that Mahabali will be able to visit his people once a year. This returning, or this homecoming of Mahabali, is celebrated in Kerala as the festival of Onam, where houses prepare floral carpets as a way to invite Mahabali into their homes.
Episode: Non-narrative

Primary Deity/Figure: Vamana
Iconographic Form: Vamanan (incarnation of Vishnu
Iconographic Attributes: Red skinned varnana, heavily damaged panel with the stick on his right hand; legs folded in Padmasana; a tiny cloth over his right shoulders; wearing a janau or poonool; Also has a neck ornament; completely faded.
Visual & Formal Features: Hand gesture (mudra), Ornamentation
Rasa: Shanta

Condition: Poor
Deterioration Type: Plaster loss
Restoration Status: Unrestored
Documentation Type: DSLR full panel
Permission Basis: Temple priest
Date of Documentation: 10/05/2025
Artist: Unknown
Identifier: KTK_P013
Rights / Notes: These images may not be reproduced, redistributed, or used for commercial purposes without prior permission.