The Colas c36.69

c36.69

Fig. 55. (Pl. xxii) Naṭarāja, in an exterior niche in the temple, Gaṅgaikoṇḍa-cōḷapuram. This sculpture is one of the most beautiful dancing Śiva figures in this pose, in which the Cōḷa sculptors revelled. (*Cf.* the earlier figure from the Vālīśvara temple at Tiruvālīśvaram, Tirunelveli District fig. 48). Here the figure is more evolved and fully standardised. The following subsidiary figures in bas-relief are not only beautiful but also interesting as they complete the entire scene. Behind Naṭarāja is Kālī in the *catura* dancing pose. Beyond the niche on the right side is Pārvatī standing and leaning against the fine bull. Beautiful Gaṇeśa and Subrahmaṇya figures are shown on the left. Below them is a magnificent representation of Viṣṇu playing on drum and upper hands in *vismaya* pose which suggests his great admiration of Śiva's cosmic dance. Apasmāra is large. Below him on the pedestal are shown a *gaṇa* (*Taṇḍu*?) playing on drum and Kāraikāl Ammaiyār, the woman-saint playing on cymbals. On either side of this is a panel with *gaṇas* in various dance postures.