Image title: Figure 15. Gajendravaradan

Gajendravaradan is the sculpture of Lord Visnu proceeding seated on Garuda to protect his devotee Gajendra, from the clutches of Makara, the crocodile and awards him Moksa or salvation. This legend is from 8^th Skandha of Bhagavad Purana. When Gajendra calls out to Lord Visnu for help, the lord proceeds from his abode Vaikuntha with his Ayudhas–Sankha, Cakra, Gada and Khadga. His main right hand is in Abhaya Hasta and the other main hand is not clear.

Gallery information:

Kumbakonam is considered as one of the holiest places in Tamil Nadu and is known for its temples and Mathas (monasteries which were centres of Brahmanical learning). These photographs depict the connection between the sculptures in the temples and Natya Shastra and related texts dealing with iconography.