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

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