Image title: Figure 263. Rama, Visvamitra, Laksmana and Ahilya

This is a beautiful sculpture of Rama, Visvamitra, Laksmana and Ahilya (right side of Rama). Rama, Visvamitra and Laksmana are in Ayata Sthana. Sri Rama is having Sandamsa Hasta (Jnana Mudra) with his right hand and Uru Hasta with his left. Visvamitra’s right hand is in Abhaya Hasta and his left hand is holding a Kamandalu. Laksmana’s hand is in Patakanjali. They are all in Abhanga posture. Ahilya is in Avahittha Sthana and her hands are in Anjali Hasta. Her Siras is in Ancita and she is looking at Sri Rama. Ahilya has been released from the curse. We can see a pile of stones in front of her from where she has emerged.

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.