Image title: Figure 82. Bhujangatrasita Karana

This is a beautiful movement captured in a Nataraja like posture. The Siras is slightly turned to right. The body is turned to the side slightly. The left leg is in Ardhakuncita Janu, the left Jangha is in Nata, left Pada is in Sama turned to the side. Right Uru is thrown up on the left side, right Jangha is in Udvahita, right Pada is in Kuncita. The right hand is in Kari Hasta thrown to the left side and the left hand is in Katakamukha.

This dancer is performing the Bhujangatrasita Karana no. 24 in which, “The Kuncita Pada is thrown up sideways and the thighs have an oblique Nivartana movement and hip and knee also have the same movement.” The name is derived from Trasa meaning fear and Bhujanga meaning snake. So it literally means fear of a serpent. The movement should indicate this.

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.