Image title: Figure 37. Garudapluta Karana

In the above sculpture the Siras is in Ancita, bent to right. Urah [uras] is raised in Udvahita, Parsva is in Nata on right side and Samunnata on left, Kati is in Udvahita on right side. Right hand is in Lata and left hand is in Recita, right Uru is in Udvartana, right Janu is in Unnata, right Jangha is in Parivrtta, right Pada is in Kuncita. Left Janu is in Ardhakuncita, left Jangha is in Nata, left Pada is in Sama and Parsva. The extent of the bend of the leg backwards which is shown in the sculpture is difficult to do unless one is trained in such movements like acrobatics. Such deep bends can be seen in ballet and circus acrobatics.

According to the Natya Sastra, “If the leg is backwards and the hands are in Lata and Recita respectively it can be identified as Garudapluta Karana.”

This is Karana no.70. According to Abhinavagupta also, “The foot is in Vrscika, one hand should be in Lata and the other hand in Recita and should be used accordingly as the name indicates.” This Karana indicates the flying of Garuda in the sky. Garuda means the mighty eagle which is also the Vahana of Visnu.

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.