image reference: divine paintings
NATRAJ
“The God of Dance”
The literal meaning of Natraj is the “God of Dance” and the Hindu god “Shiva” is known as Lord of Dance. He is a cosmic dancer. Sculpture of Natraj made of stone and metal can be seen in many Shiva temples, especially in South India. Lord Shiva has the most iconic representation in the area of Dance and the Bronze icon of Natraj is Lord Shiva which is said to be the inventor of Dance according to Hindu mythology.
In the sculpture, NatrajLlord Shiva has shown with four hands and dancing under a flaming halo (Prabha Mandal) of a circle which represents time. In the back right-hand palm lord Shiva is holding Damru which is a sign of creation and in the back left hand holding Agni (fire) in a vessel which is the sign of destruction. The front right hand is in the Abhaya mudra which denotes him as a savior of the world. The front left hand is across his chest in Gajhast mudra pointed towards his foot with the twisted wrist. The extravagant spread of the hair locks of Lord Shiva interspersed with skull, datura blossom, and crescent moon and figure of the Ganga which is said to be brought down on the earth from his hair. Lord Shiva in the pose of Natraj is dancing of the demon named Apasmara.
There is a story behind the sculpture of Natraj.
Why Lord Shiva attain the guise of Natraj?
There is a famous story behind the guise of Natraj whose roots are connected with South India. It is said that there was an uninhabited place known as targum where few sages who were engaged in black magic and to attain the power they use to trouble people. People prayed to Shiva to get rid of these sages. To end this torture of sages Lord shiv attain guise of beggar named Bhikshadana went to the sages. The guise of Bhikshadana of lord Shiva was so fascinating that the wives of sages also start following him.
Sages used their magical power on Bhikshadana but it didn’t create any impact of him. Sages became so fierce that they submitted all their powers to a demon named Apasmara. But lord Shiva step on the demon’s back and started dancing beautifully. This dance is known as Tandava. The place of the dance is Chidambaram Temple.
FAQ’S Related Dance: Shiva Natraja: The Lord Of Dance
On whose body Lord Shiva in the guise of Natraja is standing?
Lord Shiva in the guise of Natraja is standing on the Asur i.e. demon called Apasmara which means ignorance. This ignorance is present in everyone and Natraj is relieving all of us from the demon of ignorance.
About the Author: – Neha Khunteta
She is a Kathak Artist and has been associated with it for more than 10 years and the founder of Kathak By Neha the best Kathak dance academy in Jaipur.
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