Image title: Figure 62. Ardhamattalli Karana

Siras in Ancita, Parsva in Samunnata on right and Nata on left. Urah [uras] is in Sama, Kati is in Udvahita on right. Right leg is absolutely straight with Uru in Stambhana, Janu in Sama, Jangha is in Vartitam [Vartita] (crossing over left foot). Right Pada is in Sama and Tryasra. Left Uru is in Udvartana, left Janu is in Ardhakuncitam [Ardhakuncita], left Jangha is in Nata, left Pada is in Agratala. Right hand is placed on the thigh and the left hand is in front of the chest performing a movement like Udvestita and Avestita in order to perform Recita.

This can be identified as Ardhamattalli, Karana no.28. According to Abhinavaguptacharya, “The right hand makes movements like Kesabandh a or Nitamba. The left hand performs Recita. The foot is pulled away in Skhalita.”

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.