Shivaji's tandava takes place at its centre. Whilst His locks sway in the wind as if they have a life of their own, His composure of countenance is of majestic calm and divinity. Atop His head sits the moon to one side and an open-hooded snake on the other, while His face is flanked by the long kundala-clad ears of divine wisdom.
There is a certain sensuousness about His form that this sculpture brings out. His skin is as resplendent as the ornaments that grace His form; His form, of smooth definition, clad starkly in a short dhoti that barely covers His thighs. A snake emerges from one side of His body, raising its hood between the mudra of His hands, while the flowing sash on the other side of His body adds balance to the whole composition. In His posterior arms, the damru and the flame signify the creative and destructive processes respectively. A thrice-layered pedestal completes the composition. A round-edged quadrilateral supports a layer of thick, blooming lotuses. A raised platform atop the same, embossed with auspicious symbols, further supports an inverted lotus. It is on the back of this lotus that the dwarf lies subded under Shivaji's foot, symbolising the victory of wisdom over ignorance.
Send as free online greeting card
Email a Friend
Manage Wishlist