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.
