Image title: Figure 124. Ardhasvastika Karana

The Siras is in Sama, Parsva is unbent, Urah [uras] is in Nirbhugna, Kati is in Udvahita on the left side, right hand is in Karihasta, left hand is in chest region in Khatakamukha or Caturasra. Movement is being performed from Mandala Sthana, right leg is crossed in front of the left one. Right Janu is in Ardhakuncita, right

Jangha is in Avartita, right Pada is in Kuncita m. Left Pada is in Sama, left Jangha is in Nata, left Janu is in Ardhakuncita. This can be identified as Ardhasvastika, Karana no.22 according to whose description “The two feet make Svastika, the right hand makes Karihasta and the left hand is lying on the chest.” This Karana gets its name probably because only the cross of the feet is mentioned in the description and not 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.