Temple priest skilled in graffiti awaits chance to work for campaigns

Pazhayannur (Thrissur): Once Veeraraghavan of Vettekkaran Math was busy with wall painting during election campaigns but now he is only dealing with prayers. Though he has been working as a temple priest for many years, he can never forget his skill in graffiti too. Veeraraghavan is a priest at Kodathoor Siva Temple.

It was Veeraraghavan who painted the picture of former president K R Narayanan when he contested from Ottapalam Lok Sabha constituency (now part of Alathur). Earlier, he used to draw paintings on cloth and displayed them. He had run a small company named Chithrasala Arts in Pazhayannur.

After completing SSLC, Veeraraghavan practiced mural painting and also Tantric rituals. Veeraraghavan said that he bought a black and white television with the first wage he earned through graffiti for election campaign. Later, he switched his career after flex boards and hoardings became more popular.

By the time, his brother who was working as priest at Kodathoor Siva Temple got appointed in a bank. With this, their father asked Veeraraghavan to take up the job of the priest. In 1994, he received permanent appointment.

When he found it hard to manage both temple and the art company, he shut the company forever. However, he is willing to do graffiti and art works. His wife Saritha also supports him. He is always happy to draw the pictures demanded by daughters Sivaparvathy and Sivaganga.