Within the ringlet of fire (prabhavali), the handsome Nataraja performs His tandava. The posterior of His four hands (He is chaturbhujadhari) bear the damroo, from which emerges the creative nada, and a quantum of all-annihilating flame, its complement. Together with the abhaya va gajahasta mudras of His anterior hands and the stance of His legs, these form the quintessential silhouette of India’s symbolic Nataraja.
Apasmara, the personification of avidya, is an integral part of Nataraja’s iconography. Shiva’s foot presses down upon its back, indicative of the role of vidya in relation to avidya. There is a great deal of dynamism in this iconography - the Lord’s tresses and the sashes from His waist fly about Him as He motions.
A superb South Indian bronze such as this one would be a remarkable addition to the home of the devotee.
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