Image title: Figure 65. Cakramandala Karana

Seems like a Yogic exercise where the body is bent backwards and the Siras is touching the floor. The feet are lifted up on the toes to support the backward bend. The hands seem to be in motion ready to land on floor to support. The abdomen is facing the sky. This seems to be a somersault like movement.

This fits into the description of the Karana 53 which is Cakramandala according to whose description, “After doing the Addita Cari the hands are let down fully and the body is curved inwards.” “This is used in vigorous movements and in worship of gods,” says Sarngadeva. This is a very difficult Karana to perform and should be done under proper guidance or it can lead to injury of the back.

If we consider the Karana to be a dynamic movement and not a posture then this movement of wheel like somersaults has to be repeatedly performed like an acrobatic feat. The body of the dancer seems to be making the somersault movements backwards. Such movements are more seen in martial arts or circus feats rather than graceful dancing. Such movement can be performed with forceful dancing and can be done with a lot of practise under a trained teacher.

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.