Image title: Figure 18. A male dancing figure

A dancing figure looking like an ascetic with beard, in Mandala Sthana, Pada are facing sideways in Parsva–right Pada is in Sama and left Pada seems to be in movement(it is lifted), both Janu are in Ardhakuncitam, both Jangha are in Nata, Kati is in Udvahita on right side, Parsva seem to be in Samunnata on left side and Nata on right (not clear–they are hidden by the hands). Siras is in Sama, Urah is in Udvahita.The left hand is raised up and is holding an instrument Tamborin and the right hand is playing it. The dancing figure seems to be performing the Adhyardhika Cari. “The left foot is lifted and placed near right heel. Then the right foot is separated and placed by its side in Tryasra one and a half spans away.”

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.