Image title: Figure 24. Kalasamharamurti

Siva as Kalasamharamurti. He is four handed. Head is bent to left in Ancita, Parsva is in Nata on left and Samunnata on right, main right and left hand are holding the Trisula which is held across the body, with which he is known to have killed Yama in order to save his devotee Markandeya. The second right hand is holding Khadga and second left hand is holding a Khetaka. Left Kati is in Udvahita, left Uru is in Valana and right Uru is in Udvartana, both Janu are turned to the same side, both Jangha are in Nata, both Pada are in Sama–in Parsva. We cannot identify any Cari or Karana in this sculpture but the movements of the different Angas and Upangas can be studied as a dancer so that it can be put into use in the dances.

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.