Nataraja's dance is taking place within each of us, at the atomic level, at this very moment. The Nataraja signifies that Shiva is the source of all movement within the cosmos, represented by the arch of flames.
The cosmic dance was performed in Chidambaram in South India. The gestures of the dance represent Shiva's five activities- creation (by the drum/Damru), protection (by the "fear not" hand gesture) and destruction (by the fire), embodiment (by the foot planted on the head of Asura), and release (by the foot held aloft).
This unique brass statue of Bhashya Nataraja, the King of Dance, has four arms. The upper right-hand holds the drum (creation). The lower right hand is raised in blessing (protection). The upper left-hand holds a flame in a pot (destruction). The right leg, representing obscuring grace, stands upon the head of an Asura, a soul temporarily earth-bound by its sloth, confusion and forgetfulness.
The uplifted left leg is revealing grace, which releases the mature soul from bondage. The lower left-hand gestures toward that holy foot in assurance that Shiva's grace is the refuge for everyone, the way to liberation. The cobra around Nataraja's waist is kundalini shakti, the soul-impelling cosmic power resident within all. The fiery ring surrounding Shiva, prahabhamandala, represents the universe with all its illusion, suffering, and pain.
The outer edge is fire and the inner edge, the waters of the oceans. Shiva has three eyes, the holy rudraksh-mala in his neck, thickly carved anklets and bracelets in his legs & arms, the divine three lines. His locks are decked and are interspersed with the sacred river Ganges. No wonder, it thrilled you and quite lost yourself gazing at this extraordinary artwork.
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