Lord Nataraja is also addressed as Lord Shiva, the destroyer and the creator of the universe. Usually, it is believed that Lord Nataraja performs tandava whenever he is aggressive. But there are two different types of Tandava – the Rudra Tandava and Ananda Tandava. In Ananda Tandava Lord Nataraja dances in pure bliss, on the other hand, Rudra Tandava depicts the dance of the destruction of the cosmos.
In this statue, Lord Nataraja is performing Ananda Tandava in complete ecstasy celebrating the creation through the cosmic dance. A beautiful bronze sculpture expresses the rhythmic pattern of life. The ring of fire around the sculpture signifies the ring of cosmic fire (Prabha Mandala). The matted locks of the Lord are crowned with a skull, a crescent moon, and multiple hoods of the deadly serpents. The expressions exhibited on the face are of calmness, serenity, and completely submerged in the state of ananda (bliss). The right earring is in the shape of Makara (crocodile, worn by males), and the left earring is in the shape of Kundalam (circular, worn by females). The implication is the unity between the two entities that abolish all the differences and reflects the absolute reality. The Lord Nataraja posterior right-hand holds Damaru resonating the primal sound of creation and left-hand holds a blazing flame symbolising destruction. The Lord through his cosmic dance strikes the balance in the cycle of creation and destruction. He holds ‘Abhaya Mudra’ in anterior right hand through this gesture he provides bliss, peace, and protection to his devotees while he holds the other hand in ‘Gaja Anugraha’ (elephant hand) indicating removal of obstacles from the lives of his followers. It reminds the characteristic of his son Lord Ganesha. The right foot is firmly placed on a demon, Apasmara Pursha (indicating victory over ignorance and illusion) and the left leg raised high in the air reflects the liberation of the mature soul from the unending cycle. The lower torso of the Lord is wrapped with a cloth named Veshti and a strip of the sacred thread (Angavastram) is flaying in the right direction. The idol celebrates multiple and different ideas and identities without negating the opposite one and unites everyone in harmony and happiness.
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