Image title: Figure 117. A view of Sanmukha

A view of Sanmukha, Selva Vinayaka, Colisvara and Tripurasundari Sannidhis in the main Prakaram.

Adi Kumbesvarar, the biggest of the Saivite temples has many sculptures in the Mahamandapam pillars, some of which are dance sculptures with movements and some are only dance poses. But the dance movements in the sculptures are not tabularized. The Nagesvarar temple has dance sculptures on the walls of eastern entrance which are eroded with time but still some Karanas could be identified. The Somesvara temple is the smallest Sivalaya and the dance sculptures are totally missing from here. The study and analysis of the dance sculptures, the study of the sculptures of deities, the association of Devadasis with the temples, study of the history, mythology and rituals in the temples all proved to be a very enriching experience as a dancer and researcher.

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.