Image title: Figure 27b. Siva and Parvati

First one is a Mithuna sculpture i.e. an embracing couple representing procreation. The second one is also a romantic scene between Siva and Parvati. Siva is holding Parvati’s chin.

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.