The recent G20 Leaders’ Summit held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi showcased an impressive 27-foot Nataraja sculpture. As the world’s highest depiction of Lord Shiva in his dancing form, it commands attention. This article delves into some fascinating aspects of this grand statue including its design, the symbolism, and the method used for its creation.
Key Highlights of the Nataraja Statue in Bharat Mandapam
This magnificent sculpture is an exemplary piece of Indian craftsmanship. Made from ashtadhatu (eight-metal alloy) by Tamil Nadu artisans, the 18-tonne statue owes its existence to acclaimed sculptor Radhakrishnan Sthapaty of Swami Malai in Tamil Nadu.
The design is inspired by three revered Nataraja idols namely, the Thillai Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram, the Uma Maheswarar Temple in Konerirajapuram, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Brihadeeswara (Big) Temple, in Thanjavur. This confluence lends the statue a rich, historical and religious essence.
The uniquely designed Nataraja sculpture at Bharat Mandapam was made using the lost wax method.
History and Religious Symbolism of Lord Shiva’s Dancing Form
Shiva is a principal deity in Hinduism, tracing back to the Vedic period as Rudra—a deity known for representing storms, thunder, and wild forces of nature. His portrayal as Nataraja, the dancer, emerged around the 5th century AD.
Under the Chola dynasty rule (9th-11th centuries AD), the Nataraja form underwent significant development due to the Chola’s deep-rooted Shaivism. This patronage led to grand Shiva temple constructions featuring Shaiva sculptures, with the Brihadeeswara Temple in Thanjavur being a prime example.
Evolution of Nataraja Iconography
Through the Chola’s influence, Nataraja’s symbolism grew in complexity. Shiva embodied both destructive and ascetic qualities, with his dance symbolizing cosmic creation and destruction. In iconic representations, Nataraja is shown within a flaming halo, holding symbolic objects, with long, flowing dreadlocks symbolizing the energy of his dance. A crushed dwarf-like figure under one foot signifies illusion and worldly distractions.
Symbolism in Nataraja’s Attributes
Nataraja holds a damru (hand drum) to draw all creatures into rhythm and Agni (fire) in his left hand, symbolizing his power to destroy the universe. The fusion of male and female is portrayed through different earrings on each ear, with a twisted snake around his arm representing dormant kundalini power.
Nataraja as Protector and Reassurer
Alongside the formidable symbolism, Nataraja serves as a protector, offering protection from fear and doubt through his ‘abhayamudra’ gesture. His raised feet and the gesture of his front left hand point to his feet, inviting devotees to seek refuge. Nataraja’s ever-present smile signifies both death and life, joy and pain.
The Lost Wax Method
The Nataraja statue’s creators traced their lineage back to the Cholas, using the traditional ‘lost-wax’ casting method for its construction. This process, dating back at least 6,000 years, involves creating a detailed wax model, coating it with alluvial soil, heating it to burn away the wax, and filling the mold with molten metal.
The Chola dynasty was famous for their mastery of the lost wax method in creating intricate metallic sculptures. The technique has been used to create elaborate pieces for many centuries, including the famous Dancing Girl of Mohenjo Daro.
