Image title: Figure 68. Ardhamattalli Karana

A dancing girl with feet in Svastika. The position of the feet is not very clear due to erosion. Right hand is in Uru Hasta and the left is stretched out in Recita. Left Kati is in Udhavahitam and Urah is also in Udvahita. Siras is bent to left side in Ancita. The figure is in Svastika. The dancer is very clearly showing a movement. Her front Pada is in Agratala and so is her back left foot. The feet seem ready to move. Also the lift of the Kati on the left side indicates a movement like Mattalli. We can identify this as Ardhamattalli Karana. According to Abhinavaguptacharya, “If the feet get separated from a cross through slipping and if the left hand is Recita and does a circle with the right hand on the waist, it is called Ardhamattalli.” This Karana indicates slight intoxication according to Sarngadeva.

What is noticeable is the big bun on the right side of the head. This hairdo was popular amongst Dasis during those days. Other finer details of this sculpture is not clear due to erosion.

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.