Patina Gold
Patina Gold
Natural Brass
Natural Brass

34" Large Brass Shiva | The Nataraja In Ananda-Tandava

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$1398.75
$1865
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This moderately sized brass statue represents Shiva as engaged in an ecstatic dance known in the Shaivite iconographical tradition as Ananda-tandava, the dance of dissolution, the ultimate cosmic act he delights in performing. It is around Shiva that the tradition perceives the entire cosmic cycle rotating: the lifeless matter – ‘Prakriti’, he – the ‘purusha’, breathed life into, the chaotic ‘nada’ – the sound that stormed space by its deafening noise, arrested into his ‘damaru’ – double drum, and released structured revealing diction and linguistic discipline, phonetic forms, and ‘meaning’, and the unruly pace arrested into his legs to reveal regulated into the form of dance generating energy to annihilate and dissolve, and the beauty, to delight.

Patina Gold
Patina Gold
Natural Brass
Natural Brass
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Quantity
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Item Code: RG37
Specifications:
Brass Sculpture
Height: 34.50 inch
Width: 26.00 inch
Depth: 9.00 inch
Weight: 29.40 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

Thus, it is in dance that Shiva discovered his ultimate instrument to create, dissolve and delight: the source of ultimate energy and entire beauty, attributing to him the epithets like Natesh and Nataraja, both meaning ‘the king of stage performers or the supreme performer of dance, the apex of stage-craft. Shiva – the ‘Purusha’ or the ‘enlivening self’, danced to delight Parvati – ‘Prakriti’, infusing life into lifeless matter whereby the ‘unmanifest’ manifests and the creation evolves. The tradition classified this form of dance as ‘lasya’ – the dance manifesting aesthetic beauty. Shiva danced to annihilate and destroy as for destroying Tripura – the three cities of demons, and the three demon brothers ruling them. As against this one-time act of annihilation his dance to dissolve is incessant. If a new shoot infused with life and beauty manifests Shiva’s ‘lasya’, the fall of the pale leaf manifests dissolution, his dance to dissolve, an ever-continuing process in which he delights, and hence while his dance to annihilate is the outcome of his ‘raudra’ – wrathful form, his act to dissolve is ‘Ananda’ – the ultimate ecstatic delight.


While a form of Shiva’s wrathful dance performed to annihilate a particular evil has not been specifically classified and named, or each form is known by a different name, as his Three Cities destroying form as Tripurantaka – Shiva who destroyed three cities, his dance to dissolve is universally acknowledged as ‘Ananda Tandava’, and the imagery representing this form has been almost completely rigidified. Alike, the term ‘Nataraja’, otherwise a common epithet denotative of his status as the king of performers including dancers have also rigidified to represent his Ananda-tandava form. This powerful image of Lord Shiva, passionately engaged in a dance with his left leg fixed on the pedestal, not on the figure of Apasamarapurusha, a subordinate icon symbolising inertia or forgetfulness usually appearing in Nataraja iconography, and the right, turned backward, almost to hundred eighty degrees, has been installed inside a fire-arch rising from a pedestal consisting of moulded base and is topped by a Shri-mukha motif representing good and auspiciousness. In Ananda-tandava statues Apasamarapurusha denotes the state after dissolution has completed its task. It usually carries a lotus in its hands indicative of the creative process to commence in the future. This statue comprises instead a pedestal consisting of building components decorated with floral designs, all indicative of the creative process.


Except for the non-inclusion of the figure of the Apasamarapurusha icon, this brass cast almost completely adheres to Shiva’s Ananda-tandava iconography. It is the usual four-armed image holding in upper ones a double drum and flames of fire – the essence of Ananda-tandava iconography, further emphasized by the flames’ multiple repeats appearing on the outer edge of the fire-arch. The normal right and left hands have been cast as denoting dissolution. The pace of movement is the essence of Ananda-tandava and the flames of fire that fast friction creates its manifestation. These flames symbolise the explosion of ultimate cosmic energy and its dynamics, which Ananda-tandava generates. There enshrines on the figure’s face a divine bearing and in its form – locks of hair scattered over shoulders, blown up muscles, contained belly, glowing face …, the ecstasy of dance. With excellent anatomical proportions, well-defined features, and elaborate ornamentation: a gorgeous crown alternating the usual ‘jata-mukuta’, the modeling and iconographic perfection of Shiva’s figure is absolute. The three-tiered fire-arch consists of an inner lotus ring, a centre with the floral course, and an outer circle consisting of flame motifs.


This description by Prof. P.C. Jain and Dr. Daljeet. Prof. Jain specializes in the aesthetics of ancient Indian literature. Dr. Daljeet is the chief curator of the Visual Arts Gallery at the National Museum of India, New Delhi.


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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 [email protected].
  • 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 [email protected].
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