DR. PAL:
This stately bronze depicts Saint Sundarar, who lived in south India in the first half of the 8th century. Sundarar’s name means “beautiful one” and he is depicted here as a bridegroom, making the gestures of holding a lotus flower with the raised hand, and the gesture of leaning on a staff with the other.
The image was made to be carried outside the temple in processions, temple festivals, and daily rituals—the round lugs at either side of the base were used for poles to transport it on the shoulders of worshippers
STORYTELLER:
Born to an elite brahman family, Sundarar was adopted by a local chieftain because he was so handsome. When he reached a suitable age, a bride was found for him. But at the wedding an old man appeared and claimed him as his slave. The man led him to a temple, then vanished. Sundarar stood transfixed, realizing that his owner was none other than the great Hindu god Shiva. Then, he heard the god’s voice commanding him:
SHIVA (ACTOR):
“You are an insolent devotee. Worship me with song. You called me madman many times. Let your first song start with that word.”
DR. PAL:
Sundarar devoted the rest of his life to singing the god’s praises. His first song began: “Madman! Crowned by the crescent moon, great lord of mercy.” Sundarar wrote many lively poems and songs in praise of Shiva. His tone was so familiar that he was nicknamed “friend of the lord.”
Shaiva Saint Sundarar
15th century
Asia: India, Tamil Nadu
Not on View
Sundarar, whose name means "beautiful one," lived in the eighth century in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. An ardent devotee of Shiva, he was involved in the diffusion of Shaivism in the region. His hymns, composed of simple and direct language as well as rhyme and rhythm, are part of the canonical literature.
Details
- Title: Shaiva Saint Sundarar
- Date: 15th century
- Medium: Bronze
- Dimensions: 32 x 11 x 11 in. (81.3 x 27.9 x 27.9 cm)
- Credit Line: The Norton Simon Foundation
- Accession Number: F.1972.19.6.S
- Copyright: © The Norton Simon Foundation
Object Information
Dancing to the Flute: Music and Dance in Indian Art
- Art Gallery of New South Wales, 1997-06-12 to 1997-08-24
- Masselos, Jim; Jackie Menzies, and Pratapaditya Pal, Dancing to the Flute: Music and Dance in Indian Art, pp. 160-161
- Pal, Pratapaditya, Asian Art at the Norton Simon Museum, Volume 1: Art from the Indian Subcontinent, 2003, no. 198 p. 274
- Campbell, Sara, Collector Without Walls: Norton Simon and His Hunt for the Best, 2010, cat. 810 p. 341
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