Kerala is undoubtedly declared the land of art. A small temple, named Pundareekapuram, brings some more fame to the state with its amazing and unique murals (wall paintings). Basically, the temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The idol worshiped here depicts Lord Vishnu sitting on Garuda.

Located over a small hill called Midayikunnam near Thalayolapparambu, in Kottayam District, this temple has the best of sanctum sanctorum in Kerala, which is also decorated by the murals, and enclosed by a tiled and saddle roofed square 'cuttampalam'.

Murals

The wall paintings of the temple depict scenes from the Hindu epics and puranas. Some of the most beautiful murals are:

• Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi sitting beneath the Kalpavriksha
• Goddess Durga vanquishing the buffalo-headed demon Mahishasura
• the pranks of young Lord Krishna
• Rama Pattabhishekham or the coronation of Sri Rama
• Shiva Tandava (the aggressive dance form of Lord Shiva)

These murals are believed to be painted during the later half of the 18th century. The temple also depicts thousands of Nagaraja images installed along with Garuda.