Image title: Figure 112. Simhavakridita Karana

The dancing figure is in deep Mandala Sthana with right foot slightly in front of the left and is kept in Tryasra. The hands are in the chest region with upturned palms. Siras, Urah [uras] and Kati are all in Sama. The right foot seems ready to perform a movement like Alata Cari. The hands seem ready to turn into a Hasta like Urnanabha.

This can be identified as Simhavakridita-Karana no. 89 according to whose description, “After performing the Alata Cari, one is to move swiftly and the hands follow the feet.” According to Sarngadeva the hand should move swiftly as if giving a slap with the palm. If that is to be taken then the hands should stay in loose Pataka. Here the right foot seems ready for the lift of Alata Cari. As the name suggests the movement has to resemble a lion attacking with its paws.

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.