Image title: Figure 83. Padapavidha Karana

Siras is in Ancita. Parsva is Nata on right and Samunnata on left. Urah [uras] is in Sama. Kati is in Udhavahitam [Udhavahita] on the right side. Right Pada is in Suci, right Jangha is in Udhvahita, right Janu is in Unnata. Left Pada is in Sama facing the left side, left Jangha is in Nata, left Janu is in Ardhakuncita. Both the hands are in front of the chest in Katakamukha Hasta. Left hand is turned downwards.The movement is being executed from Mandala Sthana.

This fits into the description of Padapavidhakam, Karana no. 30 according to whose description, “With Katakamukha hands placed in the region of the navel, back of the hand facing the navel, the feet to be in Suci and then perform Apakranta

Cari.” The Suci Pada of the right foot which we see indicates the beginning of the Karana after which the leg is lifted to the side to perform the Apakranta Cari. The bend of the body to the right suggests that the body is bent while lifting the leg. This adds grace to the movement.

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.