Image title: Figure 87. Samanakha Karana

This is a Samabhanga Karana The body is in natural position. Siras, Urah [uras], Parsva and Kati are in Sama. The hands are in Lata pose. The legs are straight, feet are in Sama, Jangha are unbent, Janu are in Sama, Uru are in Stambhana.

This is the Samanakha Karana–no. 5 of the Natya Sastra according to which, “The two Samanakha feet touching each other, the two hands are hanging down and the body is in natural position.” According to Sarngadeva it is used as the first entrance of a dancer. We can use the Samapada Cari to execute this Karana. This can be used at the beginning of dance or Nrtta. It involves steps in Sama posture.

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.