Stolen Nataraja Idol on the way back to Tamil Nadu after 37 years.

GS-I: Stolen Nataraja Idol on the way back to Tamil Nadu after 37 years.

Nataraja:

Its important to keep in mind that the bronze Shiva as Lord of the Dance (“Nataraja”—nata meaning dance or performance, and raja meaning king or lord), is a sacred object that has been taken out of its original context in fact, we don't even know where this particular sculpture was originally venerated. In the intimate spaces of the Florence and Herbert Irving South Asian Galleries in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Shiva Nataraja is surrounded by other metal statues of Hindu gods including the Lords Vishnu, Parvati, and Hanuman. It is easy to become absorbed in the dark quiet of these galleries with its remarkable collection of divine figures, but it is important to remember that this particular statue was intended to be movable, which explains its moderate size and sizeable circular base, ideal for lifting and hoisting onto a shoulder.

Shiva’s dance is associated with the end of the cosmic world.
Nataraja means ‘Lord of the Dance’.
Shiva is seen balancing on his right leg. The foot of the right leg is suppressing the apasmara (the demon of forgetfulness or ignorance).
His left hand is in Bhujangatrasita's stance (depicting kicking away tirobhava or illusion from the devotee’s mind).
Four arms are outstretched.
The main right hand is in Abhayahasta.
The upper right-hand holds the Damaru (his favourite musical instrument – a percussion instrument to keep rhythm).
The main left hand is in Dolahasta and connects with the right hand’s Abhayahasta.
The Upper left-hand carry a flame.
The entire dancing figure is surrounded by the jvala mala or the garland of flames.
Shiva’s locks fly on either side touching the jvala mala.
Many variations of this model are found.

600-year-old idol:

According to sources the 600-year idol weighing around 100kg was looted from the temple after breaking open the doors of the sanctum sanctorum on July 5, 1982. Along with it other panchaloha idols of Sivakami, Manickavasagar and Sri-Bali nayagar were also stolen.

Conclusion:

The idol was being brought by team members of Australian authorities and the Art Gallery of South Australia from New Delhi and would reach Chennai. Later it would be handed over to the temple after obtaining necessary orders from the special court for idol wing cases in Kumbakonam.

Source: The HINDU

Join Our Telegram

Striking a blow for investigative credibility

Centre to bring ordinance to ban e-cigarettes in country

Formation Day

03 Dec, 25
SHARE

On 1st November, eight Indian states—Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, and Tamil Nadu—along with five Union Territories—Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Delhi, Lakshadweep, and Puducherry—celebrate their Formation Day. This date marks an important milestone in India

Turtle (Kachhua) Wildlife Sanctuary

02 Dec, 25
SHARE

The Turtle Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as the Kachhua Sanctuary, is located in the Varanasi district of Uttar Pradesh. It is recognised as India’s first freshwater turtle wildlife sanctuary, established to conserve endangered turtle species and support the ecological health of the Ganga River. Location and Extent The sanctuary co

Introduction of AI and Computational Thinking (CT) in

02 Dec, 25
SHARE

The Ministry of Education plans to introduce Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Computational Thinking (CT) from Class 3 onwards in the 2026–27 academic year. This initiative is part of the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023 and aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The aim is to prepare student

Sal Tree

02 Dec, 25
SHARE

Scientists from the Environment Department of Himachal Pradesh University (HPU) in Shimla have recently revealed that the Sal tree (Shorea robusta) is the most effective natural air purifier for combating rising pollution levels. Their findings highlight the tree’s superior capacity to trap dust, absorb gases, and cleanse the air compared

US Resumes Nuclear Weapon Testing

02 Dec, 25
SHARE

The President of the United States has ordered the resumption of nuclear weapon testing after a gap of 33 years, the last test being in 1992. This decision marks a significant shift in global nuclear policy and has far-reaching implications for geopolitics, the environment, and international security. Status of Global Nuclear Weapon Testing