Image title: Figure 279. Sita Devi’s marriage

A beautiful sculpture depicting Sita Devi’s marriage. Sita Devi’s right hand is kept in Rama’s right hand. Her left hand is in Lata. Sri Rama’s left hand is holding a Padma. On Sita’s right side is King Janaka, her father. He is holding a Kalasam [Kalasa] in his hand. On Rama’s left side is Dasaratha in Ayata Sthana and next to him is Visvamitra. King Dasaratha’s right hand is in Varada, his left hand is in Lata. Visvamitra’s right hand is holding a stick and his left hand is placed near his stomach. Sita Devi and King Janaka are in Ayata Sthana, Sri Rama, Dasaratha and Visvamitra are in Avahittha Sthana. All are sculpted in Abhanga posture.

This seems to be the scene after Sri Rama won Sita’s hand after lifting Siva’s bow at the Swayamvara in the Kingdom of Mithila.

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.