According to the Thiruvilaiyaadal Puranam (a Tamil Shiva text illustrating the divine plays of Shiva), a Pandya king of Madurai - Rajashekhara Pandya once learned the art of dance and realized that it was a painful feat, standing on one leg for too long.
A devotee of Shiva, the king asked Nataraja to take a rest from his pose, which is when Nataraja changed his pose, raising his right leg in the air, instead of the usual left seen in Nataraja bronzes.
This is why, the Madurai Nataraja dances with his right leg in the air, a divine play or Lila known as "Kaal maari aadiya patalam" in Tamil.
An episode brimming with the devotion of the devotee and benevolence of the deity, who is swift in answering the prayers of the king, it appears to be the inspiration behind this rare bronze, depicting Shiva balancing himself on his left leg.
The ornate Jatabhara (adorned tresses) with crescent moon and Ganga, attributes of Nataraja and Apasmara feature in the icon. Smiling gracefully, Nataraja appears to be pleased with the devotee. He drinks the deadly Halahala to protect the world but gratifies the devotee due to his unblemished devoutness. God truly is bonded by the delicate ties of devotion!
The Cosmic Dance of Creation and Destruction
This exquisite bronze sculpture embodies the divine energy of Lord Shiva as Nataraja, the Lord of the Dance. Cast using the ancient Madhuchista Vidhana (lost-wax) technique in Panchaloha, a sacred alloy of five metals, this piece is a testament to the artisanal mastery of Swamimalai. The dynamic posture of Shiva, captured in mid-dance, symbolizes the eternal cycle of creation, preservation, and destruction that governs the universe. His raised foot crushes the demon Apasmara, representing the vanquishing of ignorance and ego, while his other foot is poised in a gesture of liberation.A Symphony in Metal: The Art of Panchaloha
The use of Panchaloha imbues this Nataraja sculpture with profound significance. Traditionally, this alloy, comprising gold, silver, copper, tin, and iron, is believed to possess mystical properties and is often used for deities in temples. The meticulous craftsmanship evident in every detail – from the coiled serpent around his arm to the flowing locks of hair that frame his serene face – speaks to the devotion and skill of the artisans. The subtle patina of age lends an aura of antiquity and spiritual depth to the bronze, suggesting a lineage that connects directly to the sacred traditions.Echoes of Sacred Narratives
This rendition is particularly inspired by the Thiruvilaiyaadal Puranam, a hagiographical Tamil text that narrates the divine sportive acts of Lord Shiva. In one such tale, Shiva performs the cosmic dance to subdue arrogance and establish righteousness. The dance is not merely an artistic expression but a cosmic event, the rhythm of which orchestrates the universe. The eleven verses of the Tiruvachagam's "Tirumantiram" beautifully describe this dance, where Shiva's energy is unleashed, creating and dissolving worlds with each powerful movement. This sculpture serves as a tangible representation of those profound spiritual concepts, allowing devotees to connect with the divine through a medium of enduring beauty and sacred tradition.A Presence of Divine Grace
The Nataraja, with its commanding presence and intricate artistry, is more than just a decorative object; it is an icon of spiritual power and artistic excellence. It is a piece that will captivate the eye and inspire contemplation, bringing a sense of sacred energy and profound peace to any space it graces. Its scale and detail make it a commanding centerpiece, a reminder of the divine forces at play in the universe and the cyclical nature of existence, all rendered with the timeless beauty of bronze.
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