Venugopala - Kerala Mural Archive

Chemmanthatta, CMT_P025 — Krishna: full panel view

Detail Photos

Chemmanthatta, CMT_P025 — Krishna: detail view 1 of 3

Chemmanthatta, CMT_P025 — Krishna: detail view 2 of 3

Chemmanthatta, CMT_P025 — Krishna: detail view 3 of 3

Deity: Krishna Location: Chemmanthatta Mahadeva Temple Theme: Non-narrative

Venugopala as depicted in this partially damaged panel, shows a green-skinned Krishna playing the flute. His legs are crossed and is wearing a yellow lower garment with red and green striped cloth covering his thighs. He wears anklets, necklaces, rings, armband, earrings and a crown decorated with peacock feathers. He flanked on two sides by Gopis or cowherd women. The one on the left is holding a veena in her hand and is green-skinned. The one on the right is golden skin is holding what looks like an ilathalam (cymbal). Both are adorned with various types of jewellery and wearing a yellow dhoti like Krishna. A major portion of the panel is damaged.

Narrative

Textual Source: Non-narrative
Mythological Tale: Krishna 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”). While caring for the cows in the forest, Krishna would carry his flute with him, which he would then play to mesmerize the cattle, people and even then entire nature itself. Krishna as Venugopala is a recurring motif in Kerala mural paintings.
Episode: Non-narrative

Iconography

Primary Deity/Figure: Krishna
Secondary Figures: Two gopis
Iconographic Form: Krishna (Vishnu’s incarnation)
Iconographic Attributes: Green-skinned Krishna with a flute on his lips; holds the flute using both hands; wearing anklets, bangles, rings, necklaces and earrings; yellow dhoti (lower garment) with red and green stripes in the upper part; similar dhoti worn by green-skinned Gopi appearing to the left and yellow-skinned Gopi standing on the right; the former holds a veena while the latter holds an ilathalam (cymbal)-like instrument; both wear a lot of jewellery; a tree in the backdrop; Krishna wears peacock feathers atop his crown; panel faded and plaster loss as well.
Visual & Formal Features: Facial expression detail, Hand gesture (mudra), Ornamentation
Rasa: Shringara

Spatial & Architectural

Zone within Temple: Sanctum
Position in Pradakshina Sequence: 25
Adjacent Panels: Ashtabuja Venugopala, Shakthipanchakshari

Condition & Documentation

Condition: Poor
Deterioration Type: Plaster loss
Restoration Status: Unrestored
Documentation Type: DSLR full panel
Permission Basis: Combined permission
Date of Documentation: 05/08/2024
Artist: Unknown
Identifier: CMT_P025
Rights / Notes: These images may not be reproduced, redistributed, or used for commercial purposes without prior permission.