Image title: Figure 296. Rama Sita Kalyana

The main sculpture on this pillar is of Rama Sita Kalyana. We can see Sri Rama holding Sita’s right hand. Rama’s right hand is in Varada. He is in Ayata Sthana and in Abhanga. Sita’s left hand is holding some object (not clear), she is standing in Avahittha Sthana and is also in Abhanga posture. Sita’s right hand is in Lata. Sri Rama is wearing a huge garland around his neck. Both are wearing lot of Abhusanam [Abhusana] which is apt for the occasion of marriage.

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.