Image title: Figure 43. Ardharecita Karana

In this sculpture Siras is in Ancita, Urah [uras] in Sama, Kati is in Udvahita on right, the body is bent to left side. Both the hands are near the chest, the right hand palm is facing up perhaps in Sucimukha and the left hand seems to be holding Katakamukha Hasta. The right foot is in Agratalasancara and the left foot is in Sama and in Parsva. The dancer is executing the movement from Mandalasthana and the right foot seems to be performing Nikuttita movement. The right hand seems ready for a movement like Recita.

This can be classified as Karana 12 which is Ardharecita where, “The hand in Sucimukha gesture to move freely, feet to move alternately up and down and side in Sannata (i.e. Nata) pose.” The bend of the body to left and upturned right palm further suggest a movement like Recita. The Agratalasancara foot indicates an Udghattita movement of the foot. The right hand is also ready to move out in Apaviddha.

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.