Image title: Figure 77. Svastika Karana

A beautiful sculpture in which the Siras, Urah [uras], Parsva and Kati are in Sama. The hands are in Svastika in front of the chest holding Pataka Hasta. The legs are crossed. The position is acquired from Mandala Sthana. Both the feet are in Agratala and Svastika.

This fits into the description of Svastika Karana of the Natya Sastra which is no. 15, according to which, “The hands and feet are to be held in Svastika form.” According to Sarngadeva, “After extending the hands in Udvestita movement, while a Vyavartita movement is being performed, a jump is made and a Svastika is formed with hands and feet.” The cross of the feet can be made and released through Mattalli and Samotsarita Mattalli Caris. The right foot is in Kuncita showing the position for release of the cross.

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.