Image title: Figure 89. Lord Siva performing a variation of the Dandapada Karana.

A beautiful iconographic figure of Lord Siva with eighteen arms holding various Ayudhas. The posture is like Lalatatilakam [Lalatatilaka]. Siva’s main right hand is holding the right leg which is lifted straight above to the head level and is in Abhaya Hasta. The right Pada is in Kuncita, right Jangha is in Udvahita, right Janu is in Unnata, right Uru is in Udvartana and is thrown up. Left Pada is in Sama and is in Tryasra, left Jangha is in Nata, left Janu is in Ardhakuncita. The main left hand is lifted above the head and is touching it.

Cannot exactly identify the Karana. This can also be a variation of the Dandapada Karana which is being performed by Lord Siva. Here we can see the right leg which has been thrown vertically up towards the sky. The main left hand is lifted up in Dandpaksa Nrtta Hasta. The main right hand is holding the right leg. According to the description of the Karana, “Dandapada Cari is to be performed after Nupurapadika Cari and the Avidha hand should be shown quickly.” Some even describe this as Urthuva Tandavam [Tandava] where “The lifted right leg of the Lord indicates the space or Akasa. This kind of movement is employed for moving with pride.”

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.