Image title: Figure 228. Pattabhiseka Rama

This is a wonderful sculpture of Pattabhiseka Rama. We can see Sri Rama seated in all glory. His left leg is folded and his right leg is left down lose (Sukhasana). His Siras, Urah [uras], Parsva and Kati are in Sama. His right hand is in Jnana Mudra or Sandamsa Hasta (according to Natya Sastra). His left hand is in Lata. His eyes are closed. To his left is Sita Devi. Her right hand is holding Padma and left hand is in Varada Hasta. To Sri Rama’s right is Laksmana. His hands are folded in Anjali. Below him is the figure of Vibhisana. Below Rama is the figure of Anjaneya. Next to him are two figures–one male and one female. It is not clear who they are.

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.