Image title: Figure 78. A female musician holding a flute or Nadaswaram

Again a female musician holding a flute or maybe a Nadaswaram. She is standing in Abhanga posture with left leg straight and right leg at ease. This is the same as Avahittha Sthana–“When the positions of the feet in Ayata Sthana is reversed then then it gives rise to Avahittha.” Her dress is figure hugging and visible. The hair is in a top bun with side locks hanging around the face. Nadaswaram seems to be a popular musical instrument during the time of Cholas.

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.