Image title: Figure 61. Vartita Karana

This dancing figure is in Ayata Sthana–the right foot is in Sama and the Janu is unbent and is in Sama, right Uru is in Stambhana. Left leg is at ease, left Janu is slightly bent, right Jangha is in Nata, right Pada is kept in Tryasra. Siras is in Ancita,

Urah [uras] is in Sama, right Kati is in Udvahita. The hands are in front of the chest and seem to be doing a Vyavartita/ Parivartita movement.

This can be identified as Karana no.2–Vartita according to which, “The hands are made to fall on the thigh after performing the Vyavartita and Parivartita.” This is the position before the hands are moved to fall on the thighs.

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.