Image title: Figure 364. A Gandharva

This side of the pillar has a beautiful sculpture of a Gandharva. “In Hinduism, the Gandharvas are male nature spirits, husbands of the Apsaras. Some are part animal, usually a bird or horse. They have superb musical skills. They guarded the Soma and made beautiful music for the gods in their palaces. Gandharvas are frequently depicted as a singer in the court of Gods.” The above Gandharva in the sculpture is standing in Avahittha Sthana, he is holding a Padma in his right hand and his left hand is in Lata. Siras is in Sama, Parsva and Urah [uras] are unbent, Kati is in Udvahita on the left side. Left leg is straight and unbent and his right leg is kept at ease.

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.