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South Deccan Archaeology Research Foundation
Images
Notice the snake in the upper left hand of Patanjali, the snake hood above and the Naga Mudra in the palm of the Purvashikha student on his right. From the Uttareshwar temple, Ter, Maharashtra
The Naga Vapi is prominent in the village of Ter & finds mention in the Ter Mahatmya, lending context to the Patanjali image there
Patanjali, depicted as the mythical Nagaraja, below the feet of Nataraja. Amritaghateswarar temple, Kaanaattam Mullur.
Patanjali instructing the Purvashikha Tillai Diksitas in the Paatanjala Sutra (Puja Sutra, Mahabhashya, Yoga Sutra & Charaka Samhita). Modern painting depicting the living tradition of Tillai (Chidambaram). Nataraja temple, Tillai
Outer Prakara of the Sivakami Amman shrine, Chidambaram. This place is important from the viewpoint of Nataraja, Patanjali, Govinda Bhagavatpada and Adi Sankara. The former is said to have studied the Mahabhashya there, and Adi Sankara not only visited the temple but had other connection to it. The least being that he came from the larger clan of Purvashikhas, of whom the Tillai Dikshitas are but one part. Much more investigation is required in / around Chidambaram.
Patanjali depicted as the author of the three texts on grammar Yoga & medicine. Middle Chola bronze from Patanjaleeswarar temple, Kaanaatam Mullur.
Pallava-period image of Adi Sankara, seen in a reverential pose adjacent to Yoga Dakshinamurthy. Sankara’s families originally came from a place near the most important Dakshinamurthy temple of Kerala. Sankara’s Dakshinamurthy Stotra is packed with philosophical import, necessitating commentaries by several authors. Image from Kailasanatha temple.
Nataraja in Ananda Tandava, percussing his kettle drum, the source of Sanskrit grammar & points to his left foot (& anklet); the latter being the source of the Mahabhashya (commentary on Sanskrit grammar). Nataraja image from Melaperumballam. Photo courtesy: Madras Museum
Videos
Chidambaram Nataraja As Described in the Tevaram
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Chidambaram Nataraja As Described in the Tevaram
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Nataraja
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Nataraja
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Thiruvidaimaruthur Ther
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