Image title: Figure 10. Kaval Daivam

Kaval Daivam–one who guards the entrance to the sanctum. He has 8 hands in Prayoga Mudra which can hold Ayudha. Most of the hands are broken. One left hand is kept on a demon. One of the left hands is holding a Trisula and one above that is in Kartarimukha, maybe holding an axe (not clear since the figure is damaged). “Kaval Daivams are guardian spirits who are associated to a main deity. He is generally ascribed as Kuladaivam by various sects of community and clan groups as part of the tracing their generation through centuries.” Their purpose is to guard the Sanctum.

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.