This Image of Manikkavacakar (Saiva Saint) is an exquisite bronze sculpture which finds its origin in Tamil Nadu and dates back to 12 CE. It was sculpted under the patronage of the Chola dynasty. It is 50.2cm in height, 21.8cm in width and 20.8cm in depth.

It is currently on display in the Gallery of Bronzes at the National Museum, New Delhi.

Manikkavacakar was a Nayanar saint who was a major factor in the spread of the Bhakti movement in south India. One of the primary texts that talk about his life is the TiruvadavurAdigal Puranam.

Nayanar saints were the followers of Shiva. Nayanar poetry reflects the immense devotion towards Shiva. Manikkavacakar referred to his lord as the eternal bridegroom. In Shaiva bhakti, the relationship between God and his devotees was often expressed as a relationship similar to that of a master and slave. The poets of these devotional poems often criticized themselves for their flaws.

The sculpture of Manikkavacakar exudes calm stillness as one can observe the peacefulness on the face. It has closed eyes and elongated ears which are considered to be ‘mahapurushlakshan’ meaning ‘quality of an extraordinary or great man’. He is placed on a circular lotus pedestal which is mounted on a roughly rectangular base. He has a Janeyu across his torso. His body weight appears to be shifted entirely on his left leg while the right leg is slightly flexed and placed a step ahead of the left leg. The right hand is raised in the china mudra and is making the gesture of perfection whereas the left hand appears to be holding a manuscript. He is seen wearing minimal jewellery and is dressed only in a lower garment which is fastened at the waist like a present-day lungi. He has a thin necklace around his neck and a bracelet on his right wrist.

The Chola period is well known for its metal sculpture. This is evident from the high standard of aesthetic and technical skill achieved by their craftsmen during this period. Metal sculptures, both in the South and North India were made of the lost wax process, But those of Southern India were solid while North India produced hollow ones. Most metal sculptures produced in the south would have been made of an alloy of 5 metals, namely Copper, silver, gold, tin and lead.

This ethereal bronze sculpture represents a 9th-century minister who played a major role in the spread of Siva worship in South India. He composed several poems which express his devotion to Siva alongside his desire to be united with Him. The name ‘Manikkavacakar’ itself means the one whose words are like jewels. He is cherished as a medieval Tamil saint.

Manikkavacakar is believed to have written the Tiruvasakam, a book of Shaiva hymns. He was one of the main authors of Saivite Tirumurai, a twelve-volume compendium of songs or hymns in praise of Shiva in Tamil, Manickavachakar’s work forms volume eight of the Tirumurai, the key religious text of Tamil language Shaiva Siddhanta. Additionally, The Tirupperunturai temple in the Pudukottai district in Tamil Nadu is supposed to have been built by Manickavasagar/Manickavachakar.

The Tirupperunturai temple is supposed to have been built by Manickavasagar/Manickavachakar. Being the prime minister, he spent all the money given to him by the Varaguna Pandya II king to buy horses for building the temple. Shiva displayed one of his Thiruvilayadal (miracles) by transforming foxes to horses, and once they were given to the king became foxes again.