An Expression in Natural Colors and Traditional Pigments
Welcome to my blog! Today, I’m excited to share the story behind one of my recent works — a Kerala mural painting titled “Shiva Nritham – The Cosmic Dance of Bliss.” This piece is a humble tribute to the divine dance of Lord Shiva, created with deep devotion and painted using rich, natural pigments in the traditional Kerala mural style.
The Divine Dance of Shiva
The painting captures Shiva in his Nritham form, performing the sacred Ananda Tandava — the Dance of Bliss. His dynamic posture and serene expression reflect the rhythm of the cosmos. With four arms in motion, Shiva represents the continuous cycle of creation, preservation, and destruction. Each gesture holds meaning, each detail adds to the divine narrative.
His matted locks flow with energy and grace, adorned with the crescent moon, a timeless symbol of eternity. In one hand, he holds the damaru, whose sound signifies the origin of life. In another, the fire of dissolution burns, representing transformation. His trishul (trident) stands firm, signifying control over the physical, mental, and spiritual realms. A gentle smile on his face conveys deep inner peace and cosmic joy.
Celestial Accompaniment
Surrounding Shiva are divine beings who add life and sound to his dance.
- Maha Vishnu plays the Mizhavu, providing a rhythmic base to the cosmic beat.
- Lord Indra, with his flute, adds a melodic dimension to the scene.
- Narada, the ever-wandering sage, strums the Veena, enriching the moment with sacred music.
On the left of Shiva, Tripura Sundari, the embodiment of divine feminine energy, radiates soft grace. At the bottom of the composition, Ganesha and Kartikeya stand joyfully, watching their father’s celestial performance with admiration.
Crafted with Natural Colors and Traditional Pigments
This artwork is lovingly created using traditional natural colors, a hallmark of Kerala mural painting. I’ve followed ancient techniques to prepare these pigments by hand:
- Red and Yellow Ochres – extracted from laterite and limestone.
- Green – made from natural plant-based minerals.
- Black – obtained from lamp soot (lamp black), traditionally collected from burning coconut oil.
- Indigo – derived from plant extracts.
These pigments are carefully ground, mixed with natural binders, and applied layer by layer with devotion and patience. The use of natural materials not only enhances the spiritual energy of the artwork but also ensures long-lasting color richness and harmony with nature.
A Mural That Celebrates Tradition and Spirit
“Shiva Nirtham” is more than just a painting; it is a visual celebration of divinity, rhythm, and the enduring beauty of traditional Indian art. Each element—be it color, expression, or ornament—has been thoughtfully placed to reflect the spirit of the cosmic dance.
I hope this painting brings you the same sense of joy and inspiration that I experienced while creating it. Thank you for taking the time to explore my work and the story behind it.
If you’d like to see more such traditional works or learn about Kerala mural painting, feel free to browse through other posts on this blog.