Image title: Figure 95. Katibhranta Karana

Siras is in Udhavahita, right hand is near the head, left hand is near the chest in Caturasra. Parsva is in Samunnata on the right side and Nata on the left. Urah [uras] is in Udvahita, Kati is in Udvahita on the left side. Right Pada is in Agratalasancara behind the left leg. Right Jangha is in Nata, right Janu is in Ardhakuncita, right Uru seems to have performed a Nivartana movement seeing the bend of the body. Left Pada is in Sama but in Tryasra, left Janu is Ardhakuncita, left Jangha is in Nata. Thus this fits into the description of the Karana no. 43 Katibhrantam [Katibhranta]. According to Sarngadeva, “First Suci Cari is performed with the left foot, then, Bhramari is performed after drawing the right foot towards it. The hands undergo Vyavartita and Parivartita movements. The left hand rotates near the chest and the right goes above the head and assumes Caturasra.”

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.