Shiva's Cosmic Dance

One of the most popular manifestations of Shiva, as Nataraja, depicts Shiva dancing in a ring of fire. Dancing the cosmic dance 'tandava', he has his right leg firmly planted on the back of Apasmara Purusha, the symbol of ignorance. What is notable is that despite the violence of the dance, his expression is detached. His left leg is raised high up in a slant and the right one on Apasmara is bent at the knee. The back two hands hold the damaru and a ball of fire each. While Shiva's right hand is raised in abhaya mudra, the left hand comes across his body in a gaja hasta mudra. Owing to the violent movements, his hair flows in all directions as do the ends of his waist sash, touching the tiruvasi. A serpent also uncoils from his body, with his hood on this circle of fire. Inconspicuous, but very much present is Ganga, on top of his hair.

This beautifully crafted image is placed on a well decorated pedestal.

This description by Renu Rana.

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