Q. What are the Most Important Facts about Lord Nataraja?

·       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.

·       It is a significant work of Chola sculpture.

·   The damru (drum) in the upper right hand represents the sound of creation. The damru's great sound is the source of all creation.

·   The eternal fire, which represents destruction, is held in the upper left hand. Destruction is the precursor and unavoidable opposite of creation.

·  The lower right hand is raised in the Abhay mudra gesture, signifying benediction and assuring the devotee not to be afraid.

·      The path of salvation is indicated by the lower left hand pointing to the upraised foot.

·      Shiva is performing a dance on the figure of a small dwarf. The dwarf represents ignorance and an individual's ego.

·      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.

·      Shiva's matted and flowing locks represent the flow of the Ganges.

·    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.

·       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.