Image title: Figure 410. Sculpture of Vasistha Maharsi

This is a sculpture of Vasistha Maharsi. He is sculpted with a Kamandalu in his left hand and the right is carrying an Aksamala.

Mainly scenes from Ramayana and characters from Ramayana have been carved in the Ramasvami temple. Dancers in poses are also there but dance movements as such are missing except for a few Caris. Episodes from the life of Krsna and Dasavatara are also sculpted. Since these sculptures were made during Nayaka rule all the sculptures show a touch of Nayaka period in terms of huge side hair buns, jewellery and costume.

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.