Image title: Figure 144. Caturbhuja Narayana

This pillar is showing the sculpture of Narayana with Caturbhuja. He is in Samabhanga posture. His head, neck and torso are in a line radiating symmetry. The right hand is in Abhaya Hasta and his left hand is in Uru Hasta. Back hands are holding Sankha and Cakra. His legs are absolutely straight and unbent.

This is the sculpture of a soldier riding a Yali, a mythological figure which has the face of a dragon (here) and the body of a lion. The rider is holding a sword and a shield.

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.