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.

In Kerala mural art, Parvathi Chamayam is a popular theme depicting the bridal adornment of Goddess Parvathi. It's a significant motif in various cultural expressions, including mural paintings, dance, and drama. The composition often includes other elements such as musical instruments, auspicious symbols, and mythical creatures, adding depth and symbolism to the artwork. Mural paintings are intricate and colorful frescoes painted on walls, often found in temples and palaces across Kerala.

Parvathi chamayam means bridal making of paravathy devi. Parvathi Chamayam, depicting the bridal preparation of the goddess Parvathy, the consort of Lord Shiva. In this mural paintings, Goddess Parvathi being dressed up for her wedding ceremony by her female attendants or companions. The portrayal typically includes Parvathy being adorned with jewelry, flowers, and other ornamental accessories by her attendants. It depicts goddess Parvathy being dressed up by her maids. 

The Parvathy Chamayam mural painting is part of Kalidasa's epic poem Kumarsambhavam. This painting depicts the hands of hand companions holding trays and flower baskets.  Kumarsambhavam is indeed an epic poem by Kalidasa, but it primarily focuses on the love story of Lord Shiva and Parvathy, particularly their marriage and the birth of their son Kartikeya. While the poem does feature descriptions of Parvathy's beauty and allure, it doesn't specifically detail her bridal preparation or the scene depicted in Parvathi Chamayam.

Parvathi Chamayam murals are not only aesthetically captivating but also hold profound religious and cultural significance in Kerala. They serve as visual narratives of Hindu mythology, celebrating the divine union of Shiva and Parvathi while also reflecting the region's artistic heritage and spiritual beliefs.

"Aalvattam" and "Venchamaram" are traditional ceremonial accessories commonly depicted in Kerala mural paintings, including those depicting Parvathi Chamayam.

Both the Aalvattam and Venchamaram contribute to the visual richness and symbolic depth of Kerala mural art, enhancing the portrayal of auspicious and sacred moments such as the bridal preparation of Goddess Parvathi.

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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