Image title: Minanatha (Tirukurungudi, Tamilnadu)

Fig.25: This panel is found on the mandapa wall of the Nambiraya Perumal temple at Tirukurungudi (Tirukkurunkudi) in Nanguneri taluk of Tirunelveli Dist., Tamilnadu. Though the temple dates back to the Cola’s times, this sculpture belongs to the post Vijayanagara or Nayaka period. In this Minanatha is artistically shown seated on a fish in ardha-paryankasana. His matted hair, long ears with big kundala and a wallet hanging from his left shoulder are clearly depicted. A yoga-patta is shown holding the folded right knee to his waist. He is holding a yoga-danda with both hands on which he is resting his chin. His right hand is stretched resting on his right knee in a katya valambita mudra. The fish is also depicted very typically with large teeth. Behind him a boat with two sailors and the captain with the saddle are shown.

Gallery information:

The Siddha/Natha tradition symbolize the most comprehensive understanding and application of the theoretical and methodological tenets of Tantric philosophy. There are many Siddha-centres all over the Tamilnadu. The temples in Tamil-Nadu contain the sculptures depicting the Tantric rites and the images of the venerated Siddhas in it.