Image title: Figure 45. A Tamasic figure of Devi

A Tamasic figure of goddess with eight hands. She is seated with right leg bent. The left leg is on a demon. Main right hands is in Abhaya and the left hand is holding a Kapala . Out of the rest of the right hands one is holding Khadga others are not clear. Out of the other three left hands, one is holding Khetaka and another is holding Ghanta. Last one is not clear. More Ayudhas depict more power.

Devi is the feminine energy who is believed to be the supreme power in the universe. She is considered as the creator, preserver and destroyer and is known to combine the powers of Brahma, Visnu and Siva. Sarasvati, Laksmi and Parvati are manifestations of this great power.

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.