Nataraja
नटराज
The Lord of Dance
Iconic & Symbolic
Description
Shiva as the cosmic dancer, performing the Tandava, the dance of creation, preservation, and destruction. He dances within a circle of flames (Prabhamandala), balancing on the demon Apasmara (symbolizing ignorance).
Meaning
The Lord of Dance
Representation
Shiva performing the Ananda Tandava within a ring of fire
Significance
cosmic role:
- Creation (Srishti)
- Preservation (Sthiti)
- Destruction (Samhara)
- Obscuration (Tirobhava)
- Grace/Liberation (Anugraha)
philosophy:
- Symbol of the eternal cosmic cycle
- Balance between destruction and regeneration
- Master of rhythm and movement of the universe
- Represents the unity of opposites: stillness in motion
Symbolism
dance: Ananda Tandava (Dance of Bliss)
circle of fire: Cycle of birth, life, death, and rebirth (Samsara)
dwarf apasmara: Ignorance trampled by Shiva
raised leg: Liberation and upliftment of devotees
damaru: Creation, sound, rhythm of the universe
fire: Destruction and transformation
hand pose: Abhaya mudra (fearlessness and protection)
flowing hair: Spread of divine energy
Iconography
Location
Chidambaram Temple, Tamil Nadu (primary)
Appearance
Four-armed Shiva dancing in ring of fire with dwarf demon underfoot
Hair
Flowing, matted locks with Ganga and crescent moon
Third Eye
Ornaments
Serpent ornaments
sacred ash
Stance
Dancing (Tandava pose), one foot on demon Apasmara, one raised
Hands
4
Weapons
Damaru (drum) (undefined: undefined)
Agni (fire) (undefined: undefined)
Demon Under Foot
Apasmara (ignorance)
Art and Culture
Influence:
Inspired classical Indian dance forms like Bharatanatyam
Used In:
Temple art
Bronze sculpture (notably Chola bronzes)
Indian philosophy
Modern physics as a metaphor (e.g., CERN's statue of Nataraja)
Scriptural References
Mantras
ॐ नटराजाय नमः
Major Temples & Representations
Nataraja Temple
Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu
Primary temple dedicated to Nataraja; center of cosmic consciousness
Konark Sun Temple (depictions)
Odisha, India
Has intricate depictions of dancing Shiva
Quotes
"The dancing Shiva is a cosmic metaphor for the rhythm of subatomic particles."
"Let me behold the joy of the cosmic dancer whose dance awakens creation and ends in silence."
Related Concepts
Tandava Dance
Cosmic Cycles (Yugas)
Shaiva Siddhanta
Art and Sculpture