“Kalyana-Sundaram””- literally, “the beautiful marriage”, is the bronze representation of the marriage of Shiva and Parvati, the primordial male and female elements, whose union undoubtedly is the most beautiful event, which with all its heavenly glory has been transferred to the Panchaloha medium by the Sthapatis, who add to the brilliant coming together of Shiva and Shakti (Parvati), a very moving and human touch, making the Kalyana Sundaram bronzes an eternally appealing part of the Chola bronze tradition.
A rectangular pedestal serves as the stage where this divine marriage is taking place. Shiva, as an ethereal groom is dressed in a short dhoti whose creases are softly presented in bronze, a serpent that rarely sits on his right shoulder, ethnic jewelry which includes armbands, belly band, and a Yajnopavita (sacred thread), and a high-rising Jatamukut (crown made of matted hair), adorned with a beautiful crescent moon.
Two of his arms hold attributes related to his form as “Pashupati” (Lord of the Soul). Uma, Shiva’s beloved has her hair tied in a distinctive “Dhammila” hairstyle, associated with female divinities such as Sita in Indian sculptural tradition. The goddess wears a fine dhoti that clings to her elegant form and is decorated with detailed jewelry that compliments her youthfulness.
The posture of Shiva in this bronze Kalyana-Sundaram statue is such that his body seems to be moving away from Uma, facing the audience, while having no eye contact with his bride-to-be. Uma too, without directly looking at the divine groom, appears to have been overcome by joy and bashfulness, hinted by her left hand raised amusedly and the smile that she seems to be hiding. Notwithstanding the distance between the two, their hands that touch gently during a marriage ritual convey the overwhelming proximity of Uma-Maheshawara.
Compared to the more elaborate Kalyana Sundaram bronzes, this representation is a simpler one in terms of the subjects that it shows and the embellishments of the icon. However, it is the absence of any elaborate decoration or the additional members of the wedding convoy that lets us truly relish in the sweetness of the togetherness of Shiva-Shakti, on the pious occasion of their “Kalyanam” or marriage.
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