Image title: Figure 63. Mattalli Karana

In this figure the Siras and Urah [uras] are in Sama. The body is slightly bent to the right side. Parsva on right side is in Nata and on left Samunnata. The hands are in Lata Hasta. Kati is slightly in Udvahita on left side.The legs are in Svastika. The right foot is in Sama, Janu is in Ardhakuncita, Jangha is in Nata. The left leg is kept behind the right in Svastika. The left foot is in Kuncita, left Jangha is also in Nata, left Janu is also in Ardhakuncita. The lift of the left Kati, the Kuncita Pada of left foot and the Lata Hasta show a movement as if the foot is being moved. This kind of movement is observed in Mattalli Cari.

This fits into the description of Mattalli Karana, no. 27 of the Natya Sastra, where, “The legs make whirling movement throwing back the two feet and the hands make Udvestita and Apaviddha movement.” The arm going out with a movement at the wrist is Udvestita.The movement projects a feeling of intoxication.

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.