Nataraja, the cosmic dancer traveled far and wide and returned to India in a most magnificent brass sculpture.
Layered with a sublime blue-green patina, the metal art though measuring a little above feet, creates a heavenly aura, emanating from the ten-armed Shiva- his tresses flowing like tiny waterfalls under the ornate crown on the reverse, instead of the dynamic movement of the matted locks seen in the Chola bronzes, a popular representation of Shiva’s dance eternal.
Standing in the Ardhaparnayaka pose, Nataraja joyously lifts his trident over his shoulders, making us forget about the lethal effect the weapon has on those who trouble his devotees.
His lotus eyes opening gently, in a downward gaze, guide our eyes to his hand in Abhaya (removing fear). Amid the chaos and action that the dance of Shiva embodies, Nataraja orders his devotees to be fearless.
The exquisite double-tier pedestal with the stylized lotus hosts Shiva’s foot. Its graceful and defining placement makes us wonder- is this statue depicting the beginning of his awe-inspiring performance, or does it show Shiva striking the final pose?
How can we humans, who can not decipher Kaal (time and death) understand the beginning or end of Mahakala, he who is beyond both?
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