About Art:-
Kerala mural paintings are a type of art done in temples for more than 2000 years by local artists and passed down through families. These paintings are famous for being beautiful, clear, and symmetrical. They were used to show stories from religion and mythology on the walls of temples and churches in South India starting from the 8th century. The artists who create these traditional murals are highly skilled and creative, making this art form a valuable part of Kerala's heritage.

In this art, artists use traditional colours like red, yellow ochre, green, blue, white, and black. This set of colours is called "panchvarna," meaning five-coloured. Colours are essential in Kerala mural painting, bringing energy and liveliness to the detailed artwork. The colour palette of these paintings is a mix of lively shades, mainly drawn from the beauty of nature. Initially, artists used traditional mineral pigments, but nowadays, modern acrylic and oil-based paints are also used.

A traditional mural is an artwork painted or applied directly onto walls, ceilings or any other permanent surface. In murals, architectural elements of the given space are harmoniously incorporated into its creation. Among murals, the ones from Kerala stand out for their finesse.

Kerala Mural paintings are a distinctive form of art that originated in the southern Indian state of Kerala.  The art form is characterized by vibrant colours, intricate details, and a flat, stylized representation.

The "Geetopdesh" refers to the depiction of Lord Krishna delivering the Bhagavad Gita, a sacred Hindu scripture, in Kerala mural art. Geetopdesh, often spelled as "Gitopadesha" or "Gita Upadesha," is a pivotal moment in the Hindu epic, the Mahabharata. It is the dialogue between Lord Krishna and Prince Arjuna that takes place on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, just before the great war is about to commence.

The Bhagavad Gita, meaning "The Song of the Lord" encapsulates this dialogue, comprising 700 verses spread across 18 chapters. It is revered as a timeless scripture that offers practical insights into leading a righteous life, navigating moral dilemmas, and attaining spiritual realization.

In simple words, Krishna shares important life lessons with Arjuna. He talks about doing one's duty, understanding the true nature of life and death, and finding inner peace. Krishna explains that everyone has a role to play in life, and doing it sincerely is important, regardless of the outcome. Throughout their conversation, Krishna emphasizes the idea of doing one's best without getting too attached to success or failure. He teaches Arjuna that true happiness comes from connecting with one's inner self and understanding the bigger picture of life.

Geetopdesh is like a guidebook for living a meaningful and balanced life, filled with wisdom that's still relevant and inspiring to people today.

In this mural painting, Lord Krishna is often shown imparting spiritual wisdom to the warrior Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. The scene typically features vibrant colors and intricate details, capturing the essence of this profound philosophical discourse. Through the Geetopdesh murals, artists convey the timeless teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, emphasizing concepts such as duty, righteousness, and devotion. This theme holds significant cultural and religious importance in Kerala, reflecting the region's deep spiritual heritage.

Details: The mural painting would likely feature vibrant colors, intricate details, and a sense of grandeur to capture the divine and celebratory atmosphere of the Mahabharat Scene. Symbolic elements such as auspicious motifs, celestial beings, and divine blessings might also be included to enhance the spiritual significance of the scene.

The artist has skillfully employed the traditional technique of Kerala mural art, incorporating various layers of colours to enhance the detailing and shading in this artwork.

Saju is a student of the famed Guruvayur temple Devaswom-run Institute of Mural Painting with extensive training in fine arts, art history and mural art. The temple, which is renowned for its exquisite murals, set up the Institute in 1989 to train youngsters and preserve the ancient art form. He is also actively involved in restoration work of Kerala Murals to preserve this heritage art.

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