70" Brass Nataraja (Super Large Sculpture) | Dancing Shiva

$8290
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This enormously large brass statue represents Lord Shiva in a dance mode usually identified as the ’Ananda-tandava’, and the form of Shiva engaged in it, as Nataraja. The elegantly conceived image of Lord Shiva, passionately engaged in dance with his right leg placed on the figure of Apasmarapurusha, and left, turned to the right and shot into space, has been installed in a fire-arch rising from a lotus pedestal and is topped by a Kirti-mukha motif symbolic of good and auspiciousness.

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Item Code: XI62
Specifications:
Brass Sculpture
Height: 70.2 inch
Width: 59 inch
Depth: 16.8 inch
Weight: 145 kg
Handmade
Handmade
Free delivery
Free delivery
Fully insured
Fully insured
Shipped to 153 countries
Shipped to 153 countries
More than 1M+ customers worldwide
More than 1M+ customers worldwide

There enshrines on figure’s face a divine bearing and in its anatomy – unfurling locks of hair and various body parts, the ecstasy of dance. Though all four arms of the figure are gesticulated in tune with the dance-move, each has been conceived to reveal also its own function and significance. In his upper right hand the figure is carrying a drum, while in the upper left, the flame of fire. The lower right hand reveals the gesture of ’abhaya’ – redeeming from fear, and the lower left, the gesture of dissolution. The fire-arch consists of flowing creepers and emits from each of its parts the flames of fire. Excellent anatomical proportions, well-defined features, elaborate ornamentation with a gorgeous tall crown alternating 'jatamukuta', define the image of the great Lord.


The term Nataraja, a form of Shiva exceptionally popular in Shiva’s South Indian iconography, is a combination of two terms, the ’Nata’ and ’Raja’. Litarally, Raja means ’king’ and ’nata’ means variously a ’dancer’, ’stage performer’ and sometimes also an ’acrobat’; thus, Nataraja means king of the dancers. Shiva is known to have danced not only to create and destroy, or to delight, but also to teach dance and hence the tradition revers him as the first of the dancers and as the dancers’ ever first teacher – 'Adiguru'.


Thus literally the term Nataraja, Natesh or king of dancers, has the same connotation as has the epithet Nratya Dakshinamurti – one who is 'daksha' or expert in dance and music, Shiva’s overall accomplishment in dance. However, in Shiva’s iconography, the same as here in this statue, unlike Natesh or Nratya Dakshinamurti, the term Nataraja and its corresponding form has largely rigidified as the manifestation of 'Ananda-tandava' – the dance of dissolution, which Shiva performed when destroying the world after the Great Age.


The entire iconography of the image is in absolute adherence to Shiva’s Ananda-tandava form. Shiva’s four-armed form is usual but Apasamarapurusha – enertness or forgetfulness personified, under his feet is a characteristic feature of 'Anandatandava'. Apasamara – enertness, awaits 'Anandatandava' – dance of dissolution, to end, for after 'Anandatandava' has been accomplished and dissolution has taken place, there shall prevail nothing but inertness. Interestingly, Apasamarapurusha in this statue reveals from the gesture of its hands thoughtfulness as if meditating on how it shall act after dissolution has taken place, something which is more often represented in Nataraja iconography by a flwer that Apasmarapurusha is seen carrying suggesting that it is out of inertness the life shall re-begin.


Flames of fire are another essential feature of the Ananda-tandava iconography which characterise this magnificent art-piece. Usually these flames emit from Shiva's head and palms, when in full ecstasy of dance Shiva’s body moves faster than winds. The pace of movement is the essence of Ananda-tandava. These flames symbolise explosion of ultimate cosmic energy and its dynamics, which Ananda-tandava generates. In this representation the flames do not explode from Shiva’s head but they do from one of his palms and from the fire-arch which symbolises the cosmos – Shiva’s manifest form.


This description by Prof. P.C. Jain and Dr. Daljeet. Prof. Jain specializes on the aesthetics of literature and is the author of numerous books on Indian art and culture. Dr. Daljeet is the curator of the Miniature Painting Gallery, National Museum, New Delhi. They have both collaborated together on a number of books.



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The Art and Symbolism of Nataraja: Unraveling the Mysteries of Lord Shiva's Cosmic Dance

Lord Shiva appears in the form of Nataraja to perform his divine act of Cosmic dance (Tandava). The word Nataraja denotes 'The King of Dance'. Natya means “dance” and Raja means “king”. The Nataraja form symbolizes the destruction of the universe. The Lord performs Rudra Tandava to destroy the illusion, an evil residing within the hearts of the living beings. The destruction is the end of the cycle of birth and death, and the beginning of spiritual enlightenment of the individual souls misguided by Maya (illusion).

Lord Nataraja wears a serpent coiled around his neck. He holds 'Agni' (fire) in his posterior left hand which signifies the energetic vibrations for the destruction of the world. His anterior left hand takes the shape of Gajahasta (Elephant hand) or Dandahasta, showering his blessings upon his devotees, and extends towards his left leg. There is a snake wrapped in his anterior right arm that represents 'Abhaya' (without any fear). His posterior right hand is carrying a musical instrument 'Damroo', which represents time and rhythm. His whirling hair stands out as a fan behind his head as he performs the divine cosmic dance He is surrounded by a fiery ring 'Prabha Mandala' that represents the material world, full of suffering and pain. Thus, this form of Lord shiva ultimately depicts the destruction of the ignorance of all the spirit souls, showing them the path to liberation.
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What is special about Nataraja?

Nataraja is considered one of the highest forms of Lord Shiva in which he performs the functions of creation, maintenance, and destruction of this material world. Shaivites worship this form of Shiva and take blessings from him to remove all obstacles in their devotional life. His three eyes symbolize an equilibrium of the three modes of material nature namely sattva (mode of goodness), rajas (mode of passion), and tamas (mode of ignorance). The special purpose of his Tandava (transcendental dance) is to release the conditioned souls of this material world from the clutches of Maya which is the external energy of the Supreme Lord Vishnu or Krishna.
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Who is under the feet of Nataraja?

Lord Nataraja stands on a lotus pedestal placing his right foot on the dwarf demon named Apasmara. This demon represents spiritual ignorance and nonsensical speech. According to the Vedic scriptures, ignorance is the greatest enemy and obstacle on the path of self-realization. To preserve knowledge in the world, Apasmara must be subdued to bring about spiritual knowledge or transcendental wisdom. For this purpose, Lord Shiva assumed the form of Nataraja and with his rhythmic movements, he placed his foot on the demon Apasmara and crushed him to death. Thus, signifying that whoever takes the shelter of Nataraja, is freed from ignorance and has his doors open for spiritual advancement.
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Can we keep Nataraja statue at home?

Many people believe that the statue of Nataraja should not be kept and worshiped at home because this form of Lord Shiva is associated with ultimate destruction. They believe that it will only bring about auspiciousness in their lives. However, as discussed earlier, Nataraja's Tandava dance has a deeper meaning. It is the celebration of the destruction of ignorance in the path of self-realization which is in fact the victory of good over evil. Thus, one can surely keep the statue in their home.

How to keep a Brass statue well-maintained?


Brass statues are known and appreciated for their exquisite beauty and luster. The brilliant bright gold appearance of Brass makes it appropriate for casting aesthetic statues and sculptures. Brass is a metal alloy composed mainly of copper and zinc. This chemical composition makes brass a highly durable and corrosion-resistant material. Due to these properties, Brass statues and sculptures can be kept both indoors as well as outdoors. They also last for many decades without losing all their natural shine.

 

Brass statues can withstand even harsh weather conditions very well due to their corrosion-resistance properties. However, maintaining the luster and natural beauty of brass statues is essential if you want to prolong their life and appearance.

 

  • The best and simplest way to maintain a brass statue is to clean it at least twice a week using a soft cloth or cotton rag. This will prevent dust from accumulating on the surface. Dusting is especially important for outdoor statues since it is prone to dust accumulation much more than indoors.

 

 

  • To give a natural shine and luster to the statue, you may apply coconut or olive oil using cotton on every portion. You can use a toothbrush to get to the small crevices but do not be too harsh. This will make the brass statue appear fresh and new with a polished look.


  • In case you have a colored brass statue, you may apply mustard oil using a soft brush or clean cloth on the brass portion while for the colored portion of the statue, you may use coconut oil with a cotton cloth. 

 

Brass idols of Hindu Gods and Goddesses are especially known for their intricate and detailed work of art. Nepalese sculptures are famous for small brass idols portraying Buddhist deities. These sculptures are beautified with gold gilding and inlay of precious or semi-precious stones. Religious brass statues can be kept at home altars. You can keep a decorative brass statue in your garden or roof to embellish the area and fill it with divinity. 

Frequently Asked Questions
  • Q. Is the statue hollow or solid ?
    A. Brass statues are made through a process of clay casting, hence are hollow. Whereas, panchaloha bronze statues are made through a process of lost wax casting, hence they are solid.
  • Q. Can I see the original photo of the product ?
    A. For original pictures of the statue, kindly email us at help@exoticindia.com.
  • Q. Can I return the statue ?
    A. All returns must be postmarked within seven (7) days of the delivery date. All returned items must be in new and unused condition, with all original tags and labels attached. To know more please view our return policy.
  • Q. Can you customise the statue for me ?
    A. For any customisation, kindly email us at help@exoticindia.com.
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