Image title: Figure 100. Ardhanarisvara

His three hands are visible. One right hand is resting on Nandi. The other right hand is holding Parasu. The left hand is holding Padma. There is a divine smile on his face. His left leg is in Sama where as the right is kept at ease–this is the Avahitta Sthana of the Natya Sastra.

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.