CHENNAI: Eminent dancer Padma Subramaniam has appealed that the unfinished sculpture series in the Brihadisvara temple demonstrating intricate dance movements known as karanas be completed, fulfilling the dream of the king Raja Raja Chola.
After delivering a lecture on the Brihadishvara temple’s link to the Natya Shastra through karanas, (a unit of dance in Bharathanatyam) at the C P Ramswami Aiyar Foundation here, Subramaniam told Express the ancient temple had 81 imposing sculptures — on the first tier of the vimana and above the sanctum — describing various karana dance movements. “Totally, there are 108 karanas. But, the temple has only 81. Though space was earmarked for the rest of the 27 movements, it was not completed for reasons unknown,” she said.
“Though the completion of the series if desirable, it might not be possible as it is a protected site,” Subramaniam added. However, the authorities could consider allowing portraits to describe these karanas.
“No doubt, this would be a big honour to the king. I am ready to design and create the karana movements and get them portrayed,” she said.
Earlier, a film depicting Subramaniam’s karanas was screened. In her lecture, she said karanas were a combination of three main elements — posture, movement of legs and the arm from shoulder to fingers.