Image title: Figure 60. Vrscikarecita Karana

In this sculpture the right leg is beautifully bent backwards and lifted up. The right Pada is in Kuncita. The right Uru is in Udvartana, the right Janu is in Unnata, right Jangha is in Parivrtta. Left Janu is in Ardhakuncita, left Jangha is in Nata, left Pada is in Sama facing the side. The Parsva and Urah [uras] are in Sama, Kati is lifted on the right side (Udvahita). Siras seems to be in Ancita (bent to right side). The hands are in Svastika in front of the chest in Pataka Hasta.

This posture fits into the description of Vrscikarecita which is Karana no. 46 according to whose description in the Natya Sastra, “The feet are in the position of Vrscika meaning the feet are bent back like the tail of a scorpion, the hands are initially in Svastika and then they perform Recita after separation through Viprakirna. This Karana Vrscikarecita is performed to show aerial movement like flying.”

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.