As described in Hinduism 101: Shiva, Shiva is the third god of the Hindu triad and the destroyer of all evil. This brief refresher helps in understanding the popular image of Nataraja, or the Dancing Shiva. This image is commonplace throughout India, cast in various metals and placed for sale for in all price ranges from street vendors to high-end galleries. The Shiva Nataraja finds a place in the homes of Indians while captivating and intriguing foreign visitors who take a miniature version home as souvenirs.
In the legend, Shiva’s might is displayed in full acumen. Accompanied by Vishnu, disguised as a beautiful woman, both gods entered a dense forest in South India where it was said large numbers of dissenters lived. The dissenters became agitated among themselves as Vishnu and Shiva approached. But, soon after the anger was focused against Shiva. Their mission was to destroy Shiva through the use of incantations or spells. A fierce tiger was created in sacrificial fires, and rushed upon him; but smiling gently, Shiva seized it and, with the nail of his little finger, stripped off its skin, and wrapped it about himself like a silken cloth. Undeterred, the men produced a giant poisonous snake which Shiva tamed and wore around his neck like a garland. Now Shiva began to dance. And another monster, this time in the form of a dwarf was sent upon him. Shiva simply placed the tip of his foot on the dwarf’s back, breaking it as he squirmed in pain on the ground. With this act, Shiva resumed his dance as the old men concede, admitting Shiva as their master.
In present day, the legend is narrated in simpler terms as a depiction of the Hindu god Shiva as the cosmic dancer who performs his divine dance to destroy a weary universe and make preparations for god Brahma to start the process of creation.
Nataraja is derived from a Sanskrit word ‘Nata’, meaning dance, and ‘Raja’, meaning King. Put together Nataraja means ‘King of Dancers’. The first series of bronze statues depicting Shiva as Nataraja appeared in the 9th and 10th centuries, A.D. Several valuable and noteworthy pieces of original art are displayed throughout the South Indian cities of Mysore, Tanjore and Trichy.
How to Read
The most common figures depict a four-armed Shiva. These multiple arms represent the four cardinal directions with each hand either holding an object or making a specific gesture or mudra. Shiva is caught in the middle of his dance with one foot in the air and the other on the dwarf. The dwarf is a representation of ignorance, the destruction which Shiva bestows is an essential path to enlightenment, true wisdom and release. As Shiva plays the drum, his long hair flies out. The drum is indicative of God as the source of sound. In his upper left hand, Shiva carries fire, an instrument symbolizing the final destruction of the universe. His lower right hand bestows protection, as seen with the upward facing fingers. Shiva’s lower left hand points to his upraised left foot representing release from the cycle of birth and death.
Further Reading
