Image title: Figure 99. A celestial being

As we go around the Sanctum in Pradaksinam we come across a sculpture of a male figure standing and greeting in Anjali Hasta. A smile is visible on his face. He is standing in Abhanga in a casual posture. Feet are in Tryasra. Hair is tied on top of his head in a knot. He is wearing Kundalams in his ears. Could be a saintly person or a Gandharva (celestial being). Such figures of saintly persons are found in Nagesvarar temple also.

As we continue going around we come across a beautiful figure of

Ardhanarisvara exactly on the backside of the Garbha Graha.

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.