Image title: Figure 3. Jnanavavi tank

“There are 5 holy tanks here–Jnanavavi (this is the main tank), Kodi Tirtham (a well in the first Prakaram [Prakara]), Tapas Keni (opposite Devi doing penance), Teppakulam (east of front Gopuram [Gopura]) and Gayatri Tank (created by Visvamitra). The Sthala Vrksam is Vanni. Durgai Amman here carries Cakra and Sankha, Khadga and Khetaka, Villu and Banam and a parrot. This is also the Sthalam [Sthala] where Tirujnanasambandar composed his songs. Tirujnanasambandar came here he when he was around 3 and a half years old. Lord Siva is known to have welcomed him with a pearl canopy.”

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.