Shiva as Lord of Dance (Nataraja)
Hindu; India (Tamil Nadu), Chola Dynasty. c. 11th century C.E. Cast bronze
It combines in a single image Shiva's roles as creator, preserver, and destroyer of the universe and conveys the Indian conception of the never-ending cycle of time. Although it appeared in sculpture as early as the fifth century, its present, world-famous form evolved under the rule of the Cholas.
Form
Cast bronze sculpture
Function
Praise Shiva
ContentNataraja is a depiction of the god Shiva as the cosmic dancer who performs his divine dance to destroy a weary universe and make preparations for the god Brahma to start the process of creation.
Nataraja combines a single image Shiva's roles as creator, preserver, and destroyer of the universe and conveys the Indian conception of the never-ending cycle of time. Shiva's dance is set within a flaming halo. The god holds in his upper right hand the damaru. His upper left hand holds agni. With his lower right hand, he makes abhayamudra. The dwarflike figure being trampled by his right foot represents apasmara purusha, Shiva's front left hand, pointing to his raised left foot, signifies refuge for the troubled soul. The symbols imply that, through belief in Shiva, his devotees can achieve salvation.
Context
Hindu, creation, reincarnation, bronze, loose, green, balanced,
Nataraja combines a single image Shiva's roles as creator, preserver, and destroyer of the universe and conveys the Indian conception of the never-ending cycle of time. Shiva's dance is set within a flaming halo. The god holds in his upper right hand the damaru. His upper left hand holds agni. With his lower right hand, he makes abhayamudra. The dwarflike figure being trampled by his right foot represents apasmara purusha, Shiva's front left hand, pointing to his raised left foot, signifies refuge for the troubled soul. The symbols imply that, through belief in Shiva, his devotees can achieve salvation.
