Image title: Figure 58. Catura Karana

The figure of Siva is performing the movement from Mandala Sthana, the right foot is in Agratala, the left Pada is in Sama and Parsva, right Janu is in Unnata and right Jangha is raised slightly in Udvahita, right Kati is also in Udvahita showing an Udghattita movement of the right foot. The body is bent to the left due to the lift of the right Kati. Siras is slightly bent to the left in Ancita. The left foot is in Sama and turned to the side. Left Janu is Ardhakuncita, left Jangha is in Nata. Left hand is in Catura and held down, right hand seems to be in Alapallava near the head.

This fits into the description of Catura Karana (no.39) according to which, “The left hand is in Ancita (Alapallava) and the right hand is in Catura Hasta and the right foot is in Kuttita (Udghattita).” In this figure the right leg is in Kuttita but the hands are opposite–right hand is in Alapallava and left hand is in Catura. Could be a variation or suggests the Kuttita movement can be done on both sides.

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.