Image title: Figure 441. Agni Bhagwan

The above figures [438-441] are found in the pillares in the Mahamandapam [Mahamandapa]. The first figure is of a horse rider, the second and third are Alvar and the last one is Agni Bhagawan.

In all the Vaisnavite temples, the interviews with Bhattacaryas yielded very important information regarding all aspects of the temple. The bigger temple - Sarngapani, has many dance sculptures on the Rajagopuram [Rajagopura] and pillars in the Mahamandapam [Mahamandapa]. In the Sarngapani temple the sculptures exhibiting a series of Karana movements are embedded as plates in the Rajagopuram [Rajagopura]. Ramasvami temple shows amazing sculptures mainly depicting scenes from Ramayana, Dasavatara and Krsna Lila. In addition there are also sculptures of Temple Dancers or Nartakis and Apsaras standing in simple dance postures or performing simple dance movements. Cakrapani temple being a very orthodox temple does not depict many dance sculptures.This brings to light that, temples and sculptures evolved together with time. So did temples and dance.

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.