Image title: Figure 56. Vaisakharecita or Urdhvajanu Karana

Siras and Urah [uras] are in Sama. Both the hands are near the chest. Hasta could be Katakamukha or Musti ready for a Recita movement. The Kati is raised on right in Udvahita. Right Uru seems to be in Nivartana (lifted and ready for a movement). The right Janu is in Unnata. The right Jangha is in Udvahita. The left Janu is in Ardhakuncita position. Left Jangha is in Nata Left Pada is in Sama turned to the side in Trysra. This movement belongs to the Urdhvajanu variety. Body weight is balanced on the left leg and so the body is slightly bent to the left.

This can fit into the description of Karana 37–Vaisakharecita according to whose description, “The hands, feet and neck are to be in Recita and the entire body in Vaisakha Sthana.” The Urdhvajanu position is possible for the Karana when this lift is assumed before depicting the riding. According to Abhinavagupta, “This Karana is used for riding movements.” It can also be Urdhvajanu Karana seeing the position of the leg. The right hand may be being stretched out in Lata and the left assuming Katakamukha at the chest.

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.