Central Idea

In New Delhi’s Pragati Maidan, a grand 27-foot Nataraja statue, the world’s tallest depiction of Lord Shiva in his dancing form, awaits the arrival of G20 leaders.
Craftsmen behind the statue trace their lineage 34 generations back to the Cholas.

The Nataraja Masterpiece

Crafted from an eight-metal alloy (ashtadhatu) by skilled artisans from Swamimalai, Tamil Nadu.
Weighing approximately 18 tonnes, it was transported across the country on a 36-wheel trailer.

1. Thillai Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram.
2. Uma Maheswarar Temple in Konerirajapuram.
3. Brihadeeswara (Big) Temple in Thanjavur (a UNESCO World Heritage Site).

All three temples that inspired the Bharat Mandapam Nataraja statue were originally constructed by the Cholas.
During the 9th-11th centuries AD, the Cholas ruled much of peninsular India and were known for their patronage of art and culture.
Chola art and architecture flourished during their territorial expansion.

Lord Shiva’s portrayal as Nataraja evolved from the Vedic deity Rudra.
Shiva is a complex deity, embodying both destructive and protective aspects.
Nataraja, the Lord of Dance, symbolizes Shiva’s role as both the destroyer and protector.
He is known to have invented numerous dances, ranging from calm to fierce and orgiastic.

Nataraja is often depicted within a flaming aureole or halo, representing the circle of the world.
He has long dreadlocks, signifying the energy of his dance, and four arms.
In his upper right hand, he holds a damru (hand drum), in the upper left, agni (fire).
A dwarf-like figure beneath his foot symbolizes illusion.
Nataraja’s front right hand makes the ‘abhayamudra’ (gesture to allay fear), and he points to his raised feet with his front left hand.
Despite its complex symbolism, Nataraja typically wears a serene smile, signifying the duality of life and death.

The 27-foot Bharat Mandapam Nataraja statue was created using the traditional ‘lost-wax’ casting method, indigenous to the Chola era.
This method dates back at least 6,000 years.
It involves creating a wax model, covering it with a special soil paste, heating it to remove the wax, leaving behind a hollow mould, which is then filled with molten metal.
This technique was mastered by the Cholas and is considered a pinnacle of metallurgical artistry.