Image title: Figure 121. Alataka Karana

The dancer is performing this movement from Mandala Sthana. Both the hands are in Lata on the sides. Siras is slightly bent to the right side–Ancita. The Parsva is in Sama, Urah [uras] is in Sama. Kati is raised on the right side. Right Pada is in Suci, right Janu is in Unnata, right Jangha is in Udvahita. Left Pada is slightly lifted at the heel, left Janu is in Ardhakuncita, left Jangha is in Nata. The right foot is in Urdhvajanu showing it is being lifted for a movement. The left leg’s position shows that it has just landed.

This can be identified as Alataka Karana which is no.18 of the Natya Sastra. According to its description, “The Alata Cari is performed with the hands moving from the shoulder and then Urdhvajanu is performed. This is alternately done with each leg.” The figure seems to be showing the beginning of the Karana.

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.