Nataraja Statues: Original Indian Art Work

Nataraja is a depiction of Lord Shiva, the Hindu god popularly portrayed as the cosmic dancer performing his divine dance in order to destroy a weary universe. This dance is also called the Tandava and is described to be the ritual/performance in which the universe is created, maintained, and ultimately, resolved. The image of Nataraja known and recognized around the world today achieved its canonical form (bronze sculpture cast) during Chola dynasty (10th century). Chola Nataraja is considered as the quintessential statement of ancient Indian sculpture, known and incomparable in the way it merges symbol and form.

The Nataraja idol holds many symbolisms and hidden meanings that are true to the various attributes of Lord Shiva. His upper right hand, for instance, the one holding the damaru (small drum in an hourglass-like shape), symbolizes the sound originating creation and perpetuating the universe. His upper left hand, which contains fire or Agni signifies final destruction or the dissolution of form, from which a new world will arise. A second right hand below the first shows Abhaya mudra or fearlessness in Sanskrit. This signifies freedom from fear and at the same time bestows protection from evil and ignorance. A second left hand points towards Shiva's raised foot, symbolizes salvation and upliftment. The hand also resembles the form of an elephant trunk, which alludes to wisdom.

The dwarf upon which Lord Shiva dances represents the demon Apasmara. This symbolizes the god's victory over ignorance, which cannot be eliminated but can most certainly be overcomed. The surrounding flames in the image represent the universe manifest, while the snake slithering around Shiva's waist represents kundalini, which is the divine force or Shakti that is believed to reside within all things.

Shiva's dance is as vigorous as portrayed in the Nataraja image, that his hair, which is usually in matted locks piled ever so gracefully on his head, loosens and flies about him. Seated within Nataraja's hair is a diminutive figure of Ganga (Mother Ganga or the river goddess). This represents how Siva broke the river's fall with his hair when the river goddess descended from heaven, thus keeping the earth from being destroyed by its force. Shiva's stoic face as he dances the universe in and out of existence is representative of his neutrality and state of complete balance.

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This article was written by Krishna Kumar Bansal, owner of CraftVatika. CraftVatika is an online store for authentic Indian handicraft and other Indian products like clothing and jewellery. All of our products are handmade by the expert artisans from across India. We sell jewellery made up of silver and stone, marble decoration item, Indian gifts, brass statues, sculptures and other Indian handicraft.

This article was written by Krishna Kumar Bansal, owner of CraftVatika. CraftVatika is an online store for authentic Indian handicraft and other Indian products like clothing and jewelry.