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Lot Essay
This model of a chariot recalls the monumental wheeled platforms used during Indian festival during which devotees circumambulate temples. Such events take place in Tamil Nadu during the Meenakshi Thirukalyanam or 'the divine marriage of Meenakshi' celebrating the marriage of Shiva and Meenakshi, the daughter of the Pandya king Malayathuvaja Pandian. She is venerated as the incarnation of Shakti, Shiva's consort. During the celebration the deities are carried in their respective float and paraded clockwise around the temple's precinct.
The present model is a miniature version of the larger chariots used during this festival. The size of the platforms are dictated by the distance at which the circumambulation takes place in relation to the inner sanctum of the temple.
A comparable silver model of a processional chariot sold at Christie's New York, 20 March 2009, lot 1305.
The present model is a miniature version of the larger chariots used during this festival. The size of the platforms are dictated by the distance at which the circumambulation takes place in relation to the inner sanctum of the temple.
A comparable silver model of a processional chariot sold at Christie's New York, 20 March 2009, lot 1305.