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.

Kerala murals are known for their emphasis on beauty, clarity and symmetry. Murals were used to depict religious and mythological stories drawn on the walls of temples and churches in South India from the 8th century. The traditional mural paintings of Kerala are a fine art of skill and creative excellence.

In this art, artists use traditional colours like red, yellow ochre, green, blue, white, and black. This set of colours is called  "panchavarna," 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.

The term "Mahayogi" refers to a great yogi or a highly accomplished practitioner of yoga. In the context of Hanuman, the characterization as "Mahayogi Hanuman" emphasizes his exceptional mastery of yogic principles, discipline, and spiritual practices.

This painting of Mahayogi Hanuman focuses who is revered for his strength and devotion. It also occupies a distinctive position in the Kerala mural style of art. Hanuman is a prominent figure in Hindu mythology and is venerated for his unwavering devotion, incredible strength, and selfless service to Lord Rama. He is a central character in the Indian epic, the Ramayana.      

Hanuman is indeed revered as a great yogi and a devoted disciple of Lord Rama. The story of Hanuman receiving the teachings of "Vajra Yoga" from Surya Dev, the sun god, is part of the broader narrative surrounding his divine powers.

The practice of Vajra Yoga involves the refinement and perfection of the Vajra Nadi or Surya Nadi, which are subtle energy channels associated with the sun. This yoga is believed to enhance one's physical and spiritual strength, making the practitioner as formidable as a vajra, a weapon in Hindu mythology often associated with the thunderbolt.

Hanuman's dedication to his yoga practice and his guru, coupled with his selfless service and unwavering devotion, contribute to his characterization as a Mahayogi and Vajrangabali (the one with a body as strong as a thunderbolt).

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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