Image title: Figure 85. Mandala Svastika Karana

The dancing figure is in Mandala Sthana. The two hands are in Svastika in the chest region. Siras is in Sama, Parsva is unbent and Urah [uras] is in Sama, Kati is in Sama. Both the Padas are in Sama facing sideways, both Jangha are in Nata, both the Janu are in Ardhakuncita. The legs are not crossed and the position shows that the movement is done from Mandala Sthana. Looks like a Vicyava Cari.

If the legs are performing Vicyava Cari and the two hands are in Svastika near the chest then it can be identified as Karana 8 - Mandala Svastika according to whose description, “The hands are extended with an Udvestita movement, then a Vyavartita movement is made (Uromandala Hasta Karana) and then the hands are brought in Svastika again. All along the feet perform Vicyava. Mandala Sthanaka is assumed.”

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.