Nataraja — Symbolism and Significance of Shiva's Cosmic Dance
Nataraja (Sanskrit: नटराज) means king or lord of the dance. It is an epithet, an aspect and a form of Lord Shiva as the cosmic dancer of the whole creation in his role as the creator, preserver, destroyer, concealer, and revealer. His dance sets in motion the primal force of Prakriti (Nature) to manifest the worlds and beings and hold them in her control through Maya.
Shiva's dance assumes many forms depending upon the mood and the need. At times it is ecstatic and blissful, when he is with his consort or family. At times it is wild and frantic, when he has to engage in warfare, destruction of evil, or protection of Dharma. The more popular version of his dance is known as Tandavam or Tandava Nrtyam — a reference to his violent dance as the destroyer (samhara) or the Lord of Death (Kala).
Images and statues of Nataraja are found in many ancient Shiva temples and stone reliefs such as those built by the Chola kings in the South or the caves at Badami and Ellora. In the Puranas and Agamas, Shiva is described not only as the Lord of the Dance but also as the source of all traditional 64 art forms (lalitkalas). The bronze Nataraja statues from the Chola era, some four or five feet tall, are world famous and still serve as models for present-day depictions.
The traditional images of Nataraja follow a particular set of measurements, themes, pose, and formats as sanctioned by ancient texts. Shiva is typically shown dancing in a classical pose, holding different objects in his four hands, with an arch of flames encircling him — denoting the cosmic fire from which all creation ensues and in which it will finally be engulfed.
Nataraja's significance and symbolism has been variously interpreted by scholars according to their knowledge and understanding. One may contemplate upon Shiva as Nataraja or upon his image and draw their own conclusions. The following section presents a few important links on the subject.1
Related Resources
Hinduwebsite.com and Saivism.net
External Resources
1. The introduction to Nataraja contains some information referenced from Wikipedia with necessary modifications and improvements.
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