Chola-Era Ardhanarisvara Sculpture Returns to Vriddachalam Temple for Public Display

Quick Summary

• A 1000-year-old Ardhanarisvara stone sculpture, originating from teh Chola-era Viruddhagireeswarar temple at Vriddachalam in Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu, was stolen and later recovered from the Art Gallery of New South Wales in Australia.
• The sculpture was removed in 2002 due to damage concerns and replaced with a replica for worship. Experts classify it as an exemplary piece of chola artistry.
• The theft went unreported for over a decade. In 2013, heritage enthusiast S. Vijay Kumar collaborated with investigative journalists to locate the sculpture in Sydney.
• Returned to India approximately 10 years ago through efforts by the Indian government and Tamil Nadu Idol Wing CID, it has as been kept securely under the administration of Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department.
• Plans are now underway to publicly display this important artefact at its original temple site.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The recovery and return of past artefacts like the Ardhanarisvara sculpture underscores India’s growing commitment to preserving cultural heritage on a global scale. As an intricate piece of Chola-era artistry, its repatriation not only restores spiritual significance but also acknowledges international cooperation on safeguarding stolen treasures. This growth may further bolster India’s ongoing campaigns for reclaiming other valuable artefacts scattered worldwide.While displaying such relics offers devotees deeper connections to history, ensuring robust measures against future thefts remains crucial. The proactive involvement between state agencies like Tamil Nadu’s Idol Wing CID and global collaborators sets an encouraging precedent for India’s dedication toward protecting its rich artistic legacy.

Read more: Link