Image title: Figure 115. Valita Karana

Siras is in Sama, Parsva and Urah [uras] are also in Sama. The Kati is in Udvahita on the right side. Hands are in front of the chest, right hand seems to be in Sucimukha and the left hand seems to be in Katakamukha. The right leg is crossed in front of the left. Right Pada is Suci, right Jangha is Avartita, right Janu is in Ardhakuncita. Left Pada is Sama and Parsva, left Jangha is in Nata, left Janu is in Ardhakuncita.

This can be identified as Karana Valita (Karana no.31) according to whose description, “The hand is to be in Apaviddha (Sucimukha Nritta Hasta) is moved away from the chest. The foot which is Sucimukha pose is also moved away. Then Bhramari is performed. If this is done on both sides then it is Valita.” The position of the right foot in a front Svastika indicates a Bhramari having been performed. Both the hands in front of the chest shows the final position of the hands.

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.