Image title: Figure 150. Celestial Apsara

Marvellous sculpture of the celestial Apsara Rambha or Urvasi. Every line and crease of her dress is visible. Her ornaments from head to feet are clearly visible. Her body underneath the clothing is also visible. Truly marvellous. Siras, Parsva, Urah [uras] are all in Sama. Kati is in Udvahita on the right side. Right leg is absolutely straight. Right Uru is in Stambhana, right Janu is in Sama, right Pada is also in Sama. Left leg is crossed in front of the right–front Svastika. Left Jangha is in Avartita, left Janu is bent, left Pada is in Agratala. Right hand is holding a Camaram [Camara] and the left hand is on Uru in Ardhacandra.Cannot identify any Cari or Karana.

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.