Installation of Nataraja Statue at Bharat Mandapam

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has remarked that the magnificent Nataraja statue at Bharat Mandapam brings to life aspects of India’s rich history and culture.

As the world gathers for the G20 summit, it will stand as a testament to India's age-old artistry and traditions.

The Nataraja Sculpture was made by Renowned sculptor Radhakrishnan Sthapaty from Swami Malai in Tamil Nadu. 34 generations of Radhakrishnan have been making idols since the Chola Empire period.

G20 Summit 2023 is being organized in New Delhi on 9-10 September 2023.

About Nataraja Sculpture

Nataraja Sculpture is 27 feet and weighing approximately 20 tonnes, took around 3.25 lakh man-hours to create using the lost wax-casting process and adhering to the Silpa Shastra, ancient Hindu texts that guide sculpture and iconography.

The sculpture uses eight metals, known as “ashta dhatu,” (copper, zinc, lead, tin, silver, gold, mercury and iron) each with its own symbolic meaning. 

Natraja has been created in the style of Chola tradition, which was prevalent in the southern part of India, 9th century onwards.

As a symbol, Shiva Nataraja is a brilliant invention. It combines in a single image Shiva's roles as creator, preserver, and destroyer of the universe and conveys the Indian conception of the never-ending cycle of time. 

Nataraja’s idol also has two invisible triangles interlocked representing both Shiva and Shakti.

What does ‘Bharat Mandapam’ mean?

Bharat Mandapam has been developed as India's largest MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) destination. Regarding the covered space available for events, this complex ranks among the top exhibition and convention complexes globally.

The G20 summit will be held at the International Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre (IECC) complex, also known as Bharat Mandapam, in New Delhi's Pragati Maidan. 

Bharat Mandapam draws inspiration from “Lord Basaveshwara's concept of Anubhav Mandapam”, originally a platform for public ceremonies.