Image title: Figure 23. Gajasamhara Murti

Lord Siva as Gajasamhara Murti. Siras is bent to left in Ancita, Parsva is in Nata on left an Samunnata on right, Urah is in Udvahita, left side Kati is also in Udvahita, right leg is straight and unbent, right Uru is in Stambhana, right Janu is unbent in Sama, right Pada is Sama. Left leg is lifted up and bent over right, left Janu is in Unnata, left Jangha is in Udvahita and left Uru is in Valana.

This is the Bhujangatrasita Cari. One right hand is holding the Trisula and the right hand is not clear. Both the back hands are lifted up holding the elephant skin. Lord Siva is standing on an elephant. In Bhujangatrasita Cari, “One Kuncita foot is thrown up and then the waist knee and thigh are turned.” The name means moving away in fear of a cobra.This movement can be done with one leg or both legs alternately.

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.