Image title: Figure 101. Padapaviddhaka Karana

Siras is in Ancita. Parsva is Nata on right and Samunnata on left. Urah [uras] is in Sama. Kati is in Udhavahitam [Udhavahita] on the right side. Right Pada is in Suci, right Jangha is in Udvahita, right Janu is in Unnata. Left Pada is in Sama facing the left side, left Jangha is in Nata, left Janu is in Ardhakuncita. Both the hands are in front of the chest in Katakamukha Hasta. Left hand is turned downwards.

This fits into the description of Padapaviddhaka Karana no. 30 according to whose description, “Katakamukha hands with their back against the navel, the feet to be in Suci and then perform Apakranta Cari.” Here we can see the feet ready to perform Apakranta Cari.

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.