Image title: Figure 29. Dhvaja Stambha in front of Tayar Sannidhi

A smaller Dhvaja Stambha is erected in front of Komalavalli Tayar Sannidhi. “On all festivals the Dhvaja is decorated with different flags as a celebration. The Dhvaja Stambha is placed directly in line with the deity behind the Vahana or vehicle of the deity. It signified the connection of the earth with heaven. But in actuality the tall metal structure absorbed the lighting and prevented mass destruction of the temple during storms.”

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.