Image title: Figure 60. Ardhanarisvara Sannidhi

A beautiful sculpture of Ardhanarisvara, the androgynous form of Lord Siva. Left leg is in Sama Pada–facing the front and the right leg is kept at ease in Tryasra–

facing the side. Left Kati is in Udvahita. This is the Avahittha Sthana of the Natya Sastra. Upper right hand is holding Parasu and the lower right hand is kept on Nandi and the visible left hand is holding a mirror. Observation of ornaments on left side–Left earrings are of pearl, left hand is wearing feminine bracelets, left ankle has beautiful feminine anklets of several layers and the dress on left side is reaching till the ankle–all this symbolizing the feminine aspect of Ardhanarisvara. Right earring is Kundalam, right bracelet–not visible, right anklet is masculine and of a single layer, right side Dhoti is higher till knees like a man’s. Lower right hand is not visble.

As we further go around the Prakaram around the Garbha Graha, we come to Brahma’s idol which is facing the north. Brahma the creator is standing erect with his feet in Samapada Sthana, facing the front. His Kati and Urah are in Sama and Parsva is unbent. His main right hand is in Abhaya Hasta and the second right hand is holding Aksamalai. His main left hand is in Uru Hasta and his second left hand is holding Kamandalu. The two upper right and left hands seem to be in Kartarimukh a or Prayoga Mudra. Three of his heads are clearly visible.

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.