Image title: Figure 119. Simhakarsita Karana

Both the hands are in Urnanabha Hasta in front of the chest. Parsva and Urah [uras] are in Sama, Kati is raised on the right side. Siras is also in Sama. The right foot is placed behind the left in Svastika and the right Pada is in Kuncita, right Jangha is in Nata, right Janu is in Ardhakuncita. Left Pada is in Sama and is facing the side in Parsva, left Jangha is in Avartita (crossed over to the right side), left Janu is in Ardhakuncita.

This can be identified as Simhakarsita Karana–no. 90 according to whose description, “One foot is in the Vrscika pose and the hands are in Padmakosa or Urnanabha.” When the other foot takes the Vrscika pose the earlier hand pose is dropped and taken in the same way. It indicates the lion. In this sculpture the dancer seems ready to take the Vrscika pose with the right foot.

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.