Image title: Figure 96. Viksiptaksiptaka Karana

Siras is in Ancita, Parsva is in Samunnata on the right and Nata on left. Right hand is raised above the head and it seems to be performing Vyavartita and Parivartita movement. The left hand is in front of the chest in Caturasra. Urah [uras] is in Udvahita, Kati is in Udvahita on the right side. Right leg is stretched out to left side. Right Janu is in Unnata, right Jangha is in Ksiptam [Ksipta], right Uru is thrown to left side.

Right Pada is in Kuncita. Left leg is bent, left Janu is in Ardhakuncita, left Jangha is in Nata and left Pada is in Sama but is in Parsva. The torso is facing the side.

This can be identified as Karana 21–Viksiptaksiptaka according to which, “The hands and feet are thrown up and then again thrown down. Seeing the sculpture the leg is thrown forward sideways in a crosswise manner.This could correspond to the Viksiptam [Viksipta] (throwing out). The Aksipta Cari can be performed after this as the name suggests.This will indicate drawing in.”

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.