Image title: Figure 33. Siva in Urdhvajanu Cari or Suci Cari

This sculpture shows Siva in Urdhvajanu Cari. “One foot is lifted as Kuncita with the knee in level with the breast.” He is four handed. His Siras is in Ancita, Urah is in Sama, Parsva is straight, Kati is in Udvahita on left side. Right foot seems to be performing Urdhvajanu Cari or Suci Cari. Right Uru is in Vivartanam, right Janu is in Unnata, right Jangha is in Udvahita, right Pada is in Suci with the toe pointed. Left Janu is in Ardhakuncita, left Jangha is in Nata, left Pada is in Sama in Parsva. One right hand is holding Parasu and the other one is holding Trisula. One left hand of Siva is holding Agni and the other one is not clear. Could be holding Brahma’s Kapala.

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.