STONES THAT SPEAK STORIES
Every
January, as the Pongal festival brings joy to our taste buds, I eagerly
anticipate the Chennai Book Fair, an event that is a true feast for the mind.
This year, my visit yielded not just a collection of books but an encounter
with a captivating title that led me on a journey into the enchanting world of
stone statues and their untold stories.
Among the
books that beckoned me, one small book stood out—a work inspired by a speech
delivered by the esteemed Tamilnadu politician, Mr. Tha. Pandian. He has delivered
a speech about a title called "கல்லும் கதை சொல்லும்" (STONES THAT SPEAK STORIES) in a book fair festival held
at Erode on 04.08.2011. He delivered his speech for an about 1 1/2 hour about
the title at the book fair. The same was replicated in the above book published
by "New century book house" written by T. Stalin Gunasekaran. The
very essence of this title had me intrigued, prompting me to explore its depths.
I was engrossed with some of the details which Mr. Tha Pandian has delivered in his speech. Will provide with some details which inspired me as a Tamilian and an Indian.
In his speech which was written as a book, he has explained
about the Natarajar statue of Chidambaram temple. Once he had an opportunity to
meet a foreign research scholar who used to research about the statues in
temples. He asked him, whether he has seen the the natarajar statue closely at
the Chidambaram temple. For this, Tha. Pandian replied casually that he has
seen the statue, the deity will be in the dance form etc., The research scholar
still asked him, did you find any difference in the statue. For this also, he
answered that the sculptor would have depicted the deity in a dance position,
since the deity is a specialist in a dance style called bharatham (which is a
dance style practiced in South India). The research scholar now started to
explain the details of the statue which the sculptor carved the deity with
minute details. The most important body parts for the dance is, foot, eyes, and
lips. All these brought the statue to life. If one dances, means the back of
the foot will have some reactions. For example, the tissues, muscles, nerves at
the back of the foot will be seen prominently based on the dance positions you
perform. The sculpture has carved such intricacies in the back of the foot of
Natarajar statue.
The scholar proclaimed, "It was not the statue made in
dance form, it was the statue that was actually dancing (சிலை நடனம் ஆடுகிறது)."
The stone, through masterful craftsmanship, became a vessel for the dance
itself.
Mr. Tha. Pandian's speech transcended the physicality of statues, delving into the essence of Tamil culture. His storytelling and insights left a lasting impression, reminding us of the depth and richness embedded in our heritage.
As a fitting conclusion to the exploration, I share a beautiful
Tamil saying, "கல்லிலே கலைவண்ணம் செய்தான் நம் தமிழன்" (Our Tamilian has crafted art within the stone).
For those seeking a deeper understanding of the profound
connection between art and culture, I recommend exploring the works of the
renowned YouTuber PRAVEEN MOHAN, who dedicates time to studying the sculptures
adorning our ancient temples in Tamilnadu.
https://youtu.be/VLQ-Q53HgsY?si=TV8ib0OMZxJ3Fprj
