Image title: Figure 192. Bakasura Vadham [Vadha]

This sculpture is depicting the slaying of the demon Kokkasura or Bakasura by Krsna. It can be seen how beautifully Krsna opening the beak of Kokkasura to kill him. Bakasura was sent by Kansa to kill Krsna. He took the form of a huge bird and attacked him. Krsna opened his beak, got inside and finally broke it. Bakasura died.

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.