Vennakannan - Kerala Mural Archive

Detail Photos

Deity: Krishna Location: Peruvanam Mahadeva Temple Theme: Non-narrative Visual Feature: Facial expression detail Visual Feature: Ornamentation

This mural depicts Krishna as Vennakannan. His green-skinned and is adorned with jewellery including necklaces, earrings, armlets and anklets. He is holding venna or butter in both his hands. He has a small jut of hair in a small crown which is further decorated with a peacock feather. He has a garland of flowers falling over his shoulders. There are mashipoovu motif in the background.

Iconography

Primary Deity/Figure: Krishna
Iconographic Form: Vennakannan
Iconographic Attributes: Green-skinned Krishna with a crown of peacock feathers; decked in jewellery; sitting over an ornate pedestal; one leg folded; right leg hanging down; butter in both palms; vanamala (garland of flowers across his shoulders; mashipoovu motif.
Rasa: Shanta

Spatial & Architectural

Zone within Temple: Sanctum
Position in Pradakshina Sequence: 20
Adjacent Panels: Girijakalyanam

Narrative

Textual Source: Bhagavata Purana
Mythological Tale: Krisha is the ninth reincarnation of Vishnu. Born to Vasudeva and Devaki, Krishna was transferred to the custody of Nandagopa and Yashoda who raised him like their own son. This was done to protect Krishna from the clutches of Kamsa. At Vrindavan Krishna took on the role of a gopala (which literally means “one who takes care of the cattle”). He is known to be fond of venna or butter and would steal it whenever he can, leading him to be called Venna Kannan. Even now, venna is one of the major offerings in Sreekrishna temples.
Episode: Non-narrative

Condition & Documentation

Condition: Fair
Deterioration Type: Pigment loss
Restoration Status: Unrestored
Documentation Type: DSLR full panel
Permission Basis: Combined permission
Date of Documentation: 03/08/2024
Artist: Unknown
Identifier: PVM_P021
Rights / Notes: These images may not be reproduced, redistributed, or used for commercial purposes without prior permission.