ยท Nataraja (Lord of the Dance), the Hindu god Shiva as the cosmic dancer, is depicted in metal or
stone in many Shaivite temples, especially in South India.
ยท It is a significant
work of Chola sculpture.
ยท The damru (drum) in the upper right hand represents
the sound of creation. The damru's great sound is the source of all creation.
ยท The eternal fire,
which represents destruction, is held in the upper left hand. Destruction is
the precursor and unavoidable opposite of creation.
ยท The lower right hand is raised in the Abhay
mudra gesture, signifying benediction and assuring the devotee not to be
afraid.
ยท The path of salvation is indicated by the lower
left hand pointing to the upraised foot.
ยท Shiva is performing a
dance on the figure of a small dwarf. The
dwarf represents ignorance and an individual's ego.
ยท Shiva is depicted as
the source of all movement within the cosmos, as well as the god whose doomsday
dance, represented by the arch of flames, accompanies the universe's
dissolution at the end of an eon.
ยท Shiva's matted and
flowing locks represent the flow of the Ganges.
ยท Shiva's ear is
ornamented with a male earring and a female earring. This is often referred to
as Ardhanarishwar because it represents
the fusion of male and female.
ยท A snake is wrapped around Shiva's arm. The snake represents the kundalini power, which is dormant in the human spine. True consciousness can be attained if aroused.
Test Yourself- I
UPSC Mains PYQs Q. Discuss the Tandava dance as recorded in the
early Indian inscriptions. (UPSC Mains 2013) Q. Chola architecture represents a high watermark
in the evolution of temple architecture. Discuss. (UPSC Mains 2013) Prelims
Practice MCQs Q. With reference to the Nataraja Depiction of
Lord Shiva, consider the following statements 1.
It is a
significant work of Chalukya sculpture. 2.
Lord Shiva is
shown balancing on his left leg with his right leg dangling in air. 3.
The dwarf on which Nataraja dances is the demon
Apasmara Select the correct answer using the code given
below. a) 1 and 3 only b) 3 only c) 2 and 3 only d) 1, 2 and 3 Answer: b |