Image title: Figure 103. Mayuralalita Karana

This looks like a Vyayama Karana The stomach is resting on the floor, the legs are lifted up behind, the front portion is also lifted and the hands are in Alapdma near the head. The Pada are in Kuncita, the Jangha are in Ksiptam [Ksipta], the Janu are also lifted (Unnata). The Urah [uras] is in Udvahita, Parsva is in Vivartita, Siras is in Sama.

Difficult to classify this but it can be Mayuralalita Karana - no.80 of Natya Sastra with a variation. According to its description “After assuming the Vrscika Karana two hands are in Recita and the Trika is to be turned around.” This above posture is possible only when both the feet assume the Vrscika Karana then the body is forced to be horizontal position. In case only one leg is lifted as Vrscika Cari then the position has to be vertical. The leg then will balance on one leg and the hands assume Recita position. The body is turned around in Brahmari like this. Here the hands are moving to assume the Recita position.

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.