Nataraj

Nataraja, the Lord of Dance, represents the five essential acts of Siva- creation, preservation, destruction, veiling, and grace. The dance he performs is called the Ananda Tandava or the dance of bliss. He is believed to have danced the world into extinction only to dance it back into existence as part of the cyclical concept of time in India. In his mountain home of Kailasa in the Himalayas, Siva is said to have invented 108 types of dances, commonly seen as the 108 karnas or poses of Indian classical dance. Siva dances in triumph of defeating demons or for the pleasure of his consort.

The image of Nataraja is bedecked with three eyes and four arms, the front left hand is depicted in danda- hasta or the Gaja- hasta pose thrown on the right side, while the rear one, holds agni (fire) denoting the power of destruction . His front right hand is in abhaya-mudra (symbolizing protection) and the one at the back holds a damaru (hand-drum), symbolizing power of creation. On the forearm of his hand is placed the Bhujana Valaya. Left leg of Nataraja is raised diagonally to the right one with his foot up in the air, denoting the path of salvation. Siva tramples the demon Apasmarapurusha (the image of ignorance) with his right leg.

Adorning the head of the lord is a jata -mukuta, embellished with the river goddess Ganga, a snake, jewels, flowers, a crescent moon and a human skull. Strands of his hair spread horizontally on either side of his head representing his vigorous dance within a circular prabhamandala (aureole) framed with five tipped flames representing the oscillating universe. Siva's expressions are however serene and calm signifying complete control over the universe.