Image title: Figure 123. Gandasuci Karana

The Siras is in Sama, Parsva seems unbent, Urah [uras] is in Udvahita, Kati is in Udvahita on right side. Right hand is lifted up and is near the cheek in Patakam [Pataka]. Left hand is in the chest region in Katakamukha. Right leg is lifted straight up near the head and the right Pada is in Suci. Right Uru is in Stambhana, right Janu is in Sama, right Jangha is unbent. Left leg is folded into a squatting position. Left Pada is Kuncita m, left Jangha is in Nata.

This can be identified as Gandasuci according to whose description, “The feet to be in Suci position, the side to be in Unnata, one hand to be on the chest and the other to bend and touch the cheek.” This is Karana no.71. Seems to be a variation of the actual since it is in a fully seated position.

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.