What is the story behind Shiva as Nataraja?
Nataraja, states James Lochtefeld, symbolizes “the connection between religion and the arts”, and it represents Shiva as the lord of dance, encompassing all “creation, destruction and all things in between”. It is one of the widely studied and supreme illustrations of Hindu art from the medieval era.
Why is the Shiva Nataraja the Lord of the dance important?
As a symbol, Shiva Nataraja is a brilliant invention. It combines in a single image Shiva’s roles as creator, preserver, and destroyer of the universe and conveys the Indian conception of the never-ending cycle of time.
What happens when Shiva dances?
Shiva dances in ‘Rudra Tandava’ or the dance of destruction in an aureole of fire, creating wild thunder storms all around the universe, even shattering the Sun, the Moon and stellar bodies with his matted hair, marks of ash on the forehead, trident, drum, lifting his left leg and balancing over a demon of ignorance.
What is the dance of Shiva and what does it symbolize?
The Significance of Shiva’s Dance This cosmic dance of Shiva is called ‘Anandatandava,’ meaning the Dance of Bliss, and symbolizes the cosmic cycles of creation and destruction, as well as the daily rhythm of birth and death.
What does Nataraja depiction of Lord Shiva convey?
Nataraja is a popular figure in Hindu mythology. It is the depiction of Lord Shiva in a dancing pose. The word Nataraja is derived from ‘Natya’ which means dance and ‘Raja’ which means King. So, Nataraja basically means King of Dance. Shiva as Nataraja was first depicted in the Chola bronze statues.
Which is the Cosmic Dance of Lord Nataraja?
The dance of Shiva or Tandava has two different states, and the cosmic dance of the Shiva also defines the true energy of himself as Lord Nataraja, the god of dance. The two forms of Tandava, the cosmic dance of Shiva or god nataraja are Rudra Tandava and Ananda Tandava. Let us understand both the dance of shiva.
Which is the Cosmic Dance of Lord Shiva?
The cosmic dance of Shiva is called the Tandava. Lord Shiva or Shiva Natraja performs the Tandava to bring energetic vibration to the entire universe. This dance form of Lord Shiva also depicts another famous form of Shiva, Nataraja.
Who is the Lord of dance at Chidambaram?
At the Chidambaram temple, there is the Nataraja, Shiva as the Lord of Dance. Natesha or Nataraja is one of the most significant forms of Shiva.