Title
Murugan surrounded by planetary deities
Year/Period
Early-mid 19th century
Region
Sri Lanka
Material
Technique
Dimension
Object size: H:95 x W:58.5 x D:2 cm
Accession No.
2006-01743
Collection of
Credit Line
Collection of the Asian Civilisations Museum
This painting shows the three-headed deity Murugan (known as Kataragama in Sri Lanka) with his peacock mount. He is surrounded by figures that represent planetary deities, such as the serpent-headed Rahu and the serpent-tailed Ketu. The pleated robes and ornamental jewellery Murugan wears are closely associated with art made in Sri Lanka during the Kandyan period (1597–1815). Paintings like this were used in bali rituals to appeal to the planetary deities for help with astrology-related misfortunes.
