Image title: Figure 106. Katisama Karana

The dancing figure has the Siras, Urah [uras] and Kati in Sama. Right hand is in front of the chest in Katakamukha and the left hand is in Uru Hasta. The right Pada is in Sama turned in Parsva, the right Jangha is in Avartita (crossed to left), right Janu is in Ardhakuncita. Left Pada is behind the right in Ardhakuncita, left Jangha is in Avartita, left Janu is in Ardhakuncita.

This can be identified as Karana Katisama which is no.19 according to whose description, “The foot is released from Svastika Karana and one of the two hands to be placed at the naval and the other on the hip.” According to Abhinavagupta this can be done through Aksipta and Apakranta Cari. The above figure is in Svastika position. This can be released through Aksipta and then again Apakranta Cari is to be performed. It can be done with alternate legs also. The Svastika seems to be a position inbetween the two Caris. But if we purely follow Bharata then the Svastika can be released only through Mattalli or Samotsaritamattalli without adopting the other two Caris.

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.