Image title: Figure 93. Madaskhalitaka Karana

Siras in Parivahita, Urah [uras] is in Abhugna, Parsva is in Samunnata on right and Nata on the left side, Kati is in Udvahita on left. Right leg is in Svastika behind the left. Right Pada seems to be in Kuncita, right Uru seems to have performed a Nivartana movement, right Janu is in Ardhakuncita, right Jangha is in Nata. Right

Pada seems to be in Sama–is a little eroded, left Jangha is in Avartita, left Janu is in Ardhamandali. Both hands are hanging loose in Lata Hasta but to the left side. Head is also bent to the left.

This can be identified as Madaskhalitaka–Karana 99 according to whose description by Abhinavagupta, “Hands are Dola. Head is turned to both sides one after another.The feet are bent, crossed and released repeatedly. This is used to depict intoxication.” Skhalita means slipping and this is done through repeated actions.

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.