Image title: Figure 97. Gajakriditakam Karana

Siras is in Ancita, Parsva is slightly raised from the left side. Urah [uras] is in slight Udvahita, Kati is in Udvahita on the left side. Left hand is in Tripataka near the ear. Left hand is in Lata. The right leg is stretched out as if landing on it. The right Pada is in Sama, right Jangha is unbent, right Janu is in Sama. Left leg is half seated. Left

Pada is in Sama and Parsva, left Jangha is in Nata, left Janu is in Ardhakuncita.The dancer is in Pratyalidha Sthana.

This captured posture fits into the description of Karana Gajakriditakam [Gajakriditaka] according to whose description, “The left hand is bent and brought near the ear, the right hand is in Lata gesture and the feet perform Dolapada Cari.” This is Karana no.68. The left hand seems to be in Tripataka Hasta.As the name suggests this Karana brings out the movement or play of the elephant. So flapping of the Tripataka at the ears and swing of the Lata would be appropriate.

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.