--> Skip to main content


On Mural Paintings in Temples in Kerala


Mural Paintings are part of more than 150 prominent temples in Kerala. Originally found as cave paintings in the ancient Thirunandikkara Cave Temple, mural paintings in Kerala is the profusion of line drawings in the paintings and their distinctive coloring.

The mural paintings strictly adhere to the Dhyana Slokams of each deity that they represent. 

Traditionally, only four colors were used. Not counting white, which was the unpainted area, the other colours were yellow, red, black and green.

All colors are derived from organic sources.

The preparation of the surface on which Mural is painted itself took several weeks of plastering and drying (upto 28 times) using a mix of lime and tender coconut water with the final layer being “only as thick as a tamarind leaf!”
You can read more about Mural Paintings in Temples in Kerala in The Hindu 
“There were stylistic differences in the way murals were painted in the north and south,” points out Prince Thonnakkal, who teaches the fine art of traditional Kerala mural painting. “Primarily because of the depth of involvement in a project, an artist may well spend roughly half his lifetime at a single temple. Since travel was limited, his style was seen only in temples around where he lived and worked.” 
Notwithstanding stylistic differences, all murals strictly adhere to the Dhyana Slokams of each deity that they represent. These Dhyana Slokams were codified by the famous Namboodiri family of Kanippayyur Mana. These are strictly followed by idol makers and mural painters alike. Within the framework, which would decide the deity’s posture, colour, ornaments and so on, the artists could express their individual styles.