Image title: Figure 78. Talasmghattita Karana

The figure is in Avahittha Sthana, with left hand in front of the chest with a loose Musti or an Alapadma. The right hand is on Uru. Siras is in Ancita, bent to the right. Urah [uras] and Parsva are in Sama. Kati is in Udvahita on the left side. The left leg is straight and unbent. Left Pada is in Sama and straight. Left Jangha is straight, left

Janu is in Sama, left Uru is in Stambhana. Right leg is kept at ease. Right Pada is in Sama but in Tryasra, right Janu is in Natas lightly bent.

This can be identified as Talasmghattita Karana no. 93 according to whose description, “The Dolapada Cari is performed with clapping hands after which the left performs Recita.” Abhinavagupta says that Vaisnava Sthana is to be assumed but here the figure is in Avahittha Sthana with the left hand near the chest. This can be an intermediate position before assuming Vaisnava Sthana and the left hand is ready to perform Recita.

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.