Yakshi Statue — Attraction in Kerala

The Yakshi Statue

The Yakshi Statue is one of the most popular sculptures of Kerala which is regarded as an artistic wonder by lovers of art.

The statue is located in the Malampuzha Gardens and attracts millions of visitors every year. The statue, placed at the backdrop of mountain ranges and lush green gardens, offers a visual treat to the spectator.

Yakshi, a mythological figure, was sculpted by Kanayi Kunhiraman, one of the most famous sculptors of Kerala, in the year of 1969.

The statue is colossal in size and is created out of a single section of rock. The skillfulness and the creativity behind the statue are remarkable, and it leaves the spectator spellbound. It is one of the must-see attractions in Malampuzha and can be combined with a trip to the damsite and gardens. Evenings spent in the Malampuzha Gardens are made spectacular by the presence of this magnificent marvel carved out of stone.

Yakshi, a 30-foot tall nude statue which has been one of the biggest tourist attractions in Kerala's Palakkad District is getting a makeover, 50 years after it was installed. The Yakshi statue is located in Malampuzha Gardens, near the Malampuzha Dam, one of the well known tourist spots in the area.

The statue of the demigoddess depicts her in a voluptuous posture with her hair unlocked and legs stretching forward with eyes half-opened. The iconic statue which has now become synonymous with Malampuzha was sculpted by legendary sculpture Kanayi Kunhiraman in the year 1969.

Kunhiraman who sculpted the enchanting statue at the age of 30 is now busy giving a facelift to one of his most celebrated works at the age of 81.

According to PTI, Kunhiraman wants to give the 30 ft-structure bronze plating to help it withstand the test of time and keep it for the posterity without any damage.

“If there is bronze plating, it will last for a long period without any damage.I have conveyed my wish to the government and awaiting a favourable reply from them,” he told PTI.

Yakshi, which is now celebrated as one of the finest pieces of art had its fair share of controversies.

In the 1960s, unsurprisingly, people were not so excited to have a giant naked statue in the neighbourhood.

It was in 1968, the Kerala Irrigation Department entrusted Kunhiraman who had just returned from London to install a statue in the garden as a tourist attraction.

It is said that initially Kunhiraman was planning to build a Nandi statue there, but later came up with the idea of Yakshi, after observing one of the hills in the valley, which he felt resembled a woman lying with her tresses flowing.

After he began sculpting and the news spread about the nude statue, Kunhiraman feced protests and even threats from locals who were opposed to the idea.

Unfazed, Kunhiraman and his team continued their work and completed the statue which has since become an identity of Malampuzha.

“Yakshi is the first such bold attempt to bring the sculptures of women out of the walls of temples. So far, women sculptures could be seen on the temple walls only,” Kunhiraman said.

Photos by Viswas Menon © Viswas Menon Write up compiled by...

The Yakshi Statue is one of the most popular sculptures of Kerala which is regarded as an artistic wonder by lovers of art. The statue is located in the Malampuzha gardens and attracts millions of visitors every year. The statue, placed at the backdrop of mountain ranges and lush green gardens, offers a visual treat to the spectator.

Yakshi, a mythological figure, was sculptured by Kanai Kunhiraman, one of the most famous sculptors of Kerala, in the year of 1969. The statue is colossal in size and is created out of a single section of rock. The skillfulness and the creativity behind the statue are remarkable, and it leaves the spectator spellbound.

It is one of the must-see attractions in Malampuzha and can be combined with a trip to the damsite and gardens. Evenings spent in the Malampuzha are made spectacular by the presence of this magnificent marvel carved...

Yakshi, a 30-foot tall nude statue, which has been one of the biggest tourists attractions in Kerala's Palakkad District is located in Malampuzha Gardens, near the Malampuzha Dam, one of the well known tourist spots in the area.

The statue of the demigoddess, depicts her in a voluptuous posture with her hair unlocked and legs stretching forward with eyes half-opened.

The iconic statue which has now become synonymous with Malampuzha was sculpted by legendary sculpture Kanayi Kunhiraman in the year 1969

Yakshi, which will be bronze plated soon to preserve it for posterity, is now celebrated as one of the finest pieces of art that had its fair share of controversies.

“Yakshi is the first such bold attempt to bring the sculptures of women out of the walls of temples. So far, women sculptures could be seen on the temple walls only,”...