Shiva as Nataraja (the Lord of Dance) is an emblem and symbol for the bronzes of Tamil Nadu, in which the most popular representations of the Dancing Lord are sculpted. This brass Nataraja statue from Nepal takes the iconography of Nataraja bronzes and translates it into the art of Nepal, beautifully.
A typical Nepalese lotus pedestal has been offered to Nataraja who balances his dynamic form marvelously on Apasmara, who from a plump demon of bronzes has been transformed into a mature male figure in the brass statue. Nataraja on the other hand appears younger than the bronze dancing Shiva idols, with a boyishness on his face, balanced by the Tripunda and third-eye which bring a profound maturity. The headgear of Nataraja is an elaborate element, embellished by the crescent moon, Ganga, serpent, and flower, followed by braided tresses (Jata) which flow majestically on each side of the statue.
In these four hands, Nataraja carries the usual attributes- damru (drum), snake, Agni (fire), and the Gajahastha mudra, pointing to his raised foot, as the refuge to the devotee. The aureole for the Nataraja on the outer section has the regular first edgings, while on the inside are clouds, a Nepalese-Buddhist element, a fitting addition to the iconography of Nataraja, as symbols of transformation and impermanence of the world.
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