Image title: Figure 74. Talapuspaputa Karana

Siras in in Ancita, slightly bent towards right, Urah [uras] is in Sama, Kati is in Udvahita on left side and Parsva is in Nata on right and Samunnata on left. The dancing figure is executing the movement from Mandala Sthana. Left foot is in Tryasra. Right foot is in slight Agratala. Hands are holding Puspaputa Hasta at the chest slightly towards the left side. The body seems bent to the right side. This is depicting Talapuspaputa Karana which is Karana no.1.

The sculpture fits into the description of Talapuspaputa by Bharata in which, “The right foot is in Agratalasancara and the side is Sannata.” Abhinavagupta suggests the usage of Adhyardhika Cari in this Karana The Adhyardhika Cari is to be performed with Vyavartita and Parivartita Hasta Karana and finally ended with Puspaputa on left side of chest.

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.