Shiva Nataraja, one of the most iconic forms of the Hindu god Shiva, is a profound symbol in Hindu mythology representing the cosmic dance of creation, preservation, and destruction. The term “Nataraja” is derived from two Sanskrit words: “Nata” meaning “dancer” and “Raja” meaning “king” or “lord.” Hence, Nataraja translates to “Lord of the Dance.” This depiction of Shiva as the divine dancer encapsulates the dynamic aspects of the universe and serves as a powerful representation of his role in the cosmic cycle.

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Historical and Cultural Context

The concept of Nataraja has deep roots in Hindu philosophy and has been celebrated in various forms of art, literature, and religious practice for centuries. The earliest known representations of Nataraja date back to the 6th century AD, with one of the oldest sculptures found in the rock-cut temple at Seeyamangalam, constructed by the Pallava King Mahendravarman I. Over time, the depiction of Nataraja evolved, reaching its pinnacle during the Chola dynasty (9th to 13th centuries AD), particularly in the form of exquisite bronze statues.

These bronze statues, known as Chola bronzes, are renowned for their artistic brilliance and intricate details. They not only highlight the technical prowess of the artisans but also convey deep spiritual symbolism. The Nataraja bronzes typically stand around four feet tall, though some are larger, and they are characterized by their balanced proportions and dynamic poses.

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Symbolism of the Nataraja Form

The depiction of Nataraja is rich with symbolism, each element conveying profound philosophical meanings:

1. Anandatandava: Shiva is shown performing the Tandava, his cosmic dance, which represents the cycles of creation, preservation, and destruction. This dance is often referred to as the “Anandatandava,” meaning the Dance of Bliss, symbolizing the eternal rhythm of the universe.
2. Four Arms: Shiva’s four arms convey different aspects of his power:
   • The upper right hand holds a drum (damaru), symbolizing creation and the unfolding of the universe through sound.
   • The upper left hand holds a flame (agni), representing destruction and transformation.
   • The lower right hand is in the Abhaya Mudra (gesture of fearlessness), symbolizing protection and reassurance.
   • The lower left hand points towards his raised left foot, signifying liberation and spiritual grace.
3. The Raised Foot: Shiva’s raised left foot signifies liberation and salvation, offering refuge to the souls seeking moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death).
4. The Dwarf Demon Apasmara: Shiva is depicted trampling a dwarf demon named Apasmara, who symbolizes ignorance and illusion (maya). By crushing this demon, Shiva demonstrates the triumph of knowledge and enlightenment over ignorance.
5. The Ring of Fire: Shiva is surrounded by a ring of flames, known as the Prabhamandala, representing the cosmic fire that sustains the universe’s cyclical nature of creation and destruction.
6. The Serpent and River Ganges: The serpent coiled around Shiva’s body and the presence of the Ganges flowing from his hair symbolize his mastery over the forces of nature and his role as a life-giver.

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Philosophical Underpinnings

The dance of Nataraja encapsulates several key philosophical concepts in Hinduism:

1. The Cyclical Nature of Time: The Tandava dance represents the cyclical nature of time, with its phases of creation, preservation, and destruction. This aligns with the Hindu belief in the eternal recurrence of the universe, where everything is in a constant state of flux.
2. Maya and Moksha: The depiction of Apasmara, the dwarf demon, under Shiva’s foot symbolizes the suppression of ignorance and illusion (maya). Shiva’s dance points towards the ultimate goal of moksha, or liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth, which can be achieved through spiritual knowledge and enlightenment.
3. Dynamic Balance: The form of Nataraja embodies the concept of dynamic balance. Despite the apparent chaos of his dance, Shiva maintains perfect balance and harmony, reflecting the idea that the universe, with all its complexities, operates in a state of equilibrium.

Worship and Cultural Significance

Shiva as Nataraja is a central figure in the worship practices of Shaivism, a major sect of Hinduism. The Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, is one of the most important temples dedicated to this form of Shiva. The temple is believed to be situated at the center of the universe and is a major pilgrimage site. It houses the Chidambaram Rahasya, a sacred space where the cosmic dance of Shiva is eternally performed.

In addition to being a focal point of worship, the Nataraja form has influenced various aspects of Indian culture, including dance, music, and literature. Bharatanatyam, one of the classical dance forms of India, draws heavily from the iconography and themes associated with Nataraja. The dance’s intricate movements and expressive gestures reflect the cosmic dance of Shiva, capturing its rhythm and grace.

Influence Beyond India

The influence of Nataraja extends beyond the Indian subcontinent. Sculptures and reliefs of Nataraja have been found in various parts of Southeast Asia, including Cambodia, Thailand, and Indonesia, attesting to the spread of Hindu culture and religious practices. The Angkor Wat temple complex in Cambodia, for instance, features depictions of Shiva Nataraja, highlighting the integration of Hinduism into the local culture.

Modern Interpretations and Legacy

In modern times, the image of Nataraja has continued to inspire artists, scholars, and thinkers worldwide. Ananda Coomaraswamy, a prominent art historian, and philosopher, extensively wrote about the symbolism and significance of Nataraja in his works, bringing international attention to this iconic form of Shiva.

The Nataraja statue has also found its place in scientific discourse. A notable example is the statue of Shiva Nataraja gifted by the Indian government to CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research) in Switzerland. This statue, located at the entrance of the CERN headquarters, symbolizes the cosmic dance of subatomic particles and serves as a reminder of the profound connections between science and spirituality.

Did you know…?

• Nataraja, a Sanskrit term combining नट (Nata) meaning “act, drama, dance” and राज (Raja) meaning “king, lord,” translates to “Lord of the dance.”
• In Tamil Nadu, he is known as Nataraja, and in North India as Narteśvara or Nṛityeśvara. Both terms all mean “Lord of the dance.” Alternate terms for Nataraja include Natesa and Sabesan, meaning “The Lord who dances on the dais.”
• Some scholars have suggested varied interpretations of the Nataraja statue, potentially symbolizing Shiva as the lord of cremation or an emblem of the Chola dynasty. Others propose that Nataraja bronzes and dancing Shiva artworks predate the Chola period, possibly originating from the Pallava dynasty between the 7th and 9th centuries.
• Nataraja bronzes, mainly made of copper using the lost-wax casting process, are celebrated in 108 poses of Bharatanatyam at the Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, India.
• In modern yoga, Natarajasana is a posture named after Nataraja, resembling his dance. A similar pose appears in Bharatanatyam.

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Nataraja

According to British scientist Ian Crawford, Shiva’s cosmic dance as Nataraja symbolizes the principles of particle physics, the concept of entropy, and the eventual dissolution of the universe.

Below are some frequently asked questions about Shiva Nataraja:

Who is Nataraja, and what does this depiction represent?

Nataraja, also known as Adalvallan in Tamil, is a significant depiction of Shiva, one of the principal deities in Hinduism. This form represents Shiva as the divine cosmic dancer, symbolizing the lord of dance and dramatic arts. The dance performed by Nataraja is referred to as the tandava, embodying the dynamic aspects of the universe.

Which Hindu texts describe the depiction of Nataraja?

The depiction of Nataraja is described in various Hindu texts, including the Tamil Tevaram and Thiruvasagam, as well as the Sanskrit Amshumadagama and Uttarakamika agama. These texts provide detailed descriptions of the style, proportions, and symbolic meanings of the Nataraja sculpture.

How has his dances been interpreted?

The dance of Nataraja is depicted in the Koyil Puranam and interpreted in classical Indian Shaiva Siddhanta texts such as Unmai Vilakkam, Mummani Kovai, Tirukuttu Darshana, and Tiruvatavurar Puranam from the 12th century AD. The symbolism includes:

• Circular Arch of Flames (Prabha Mandala): Represents the cosmic fire of creation and destruction, symbolizing the cyclic existence of life and daily experiences.
• Supreme Tranquility: Despite the constant creation and destruction, Shiva remains calm, representing the tranquility of the Atma.
• Energetic Dance: Bent legs and flying tresses signify the wildness and ecstasy of the dance.
• River Ganges: Personified as a goddess in his hair, symbolizing the balance between danger and life regeneration.
• Headdress: Features a human skull (mortality), crescent moon, and Datura metel flower.
• Multiple Arms: Typically four-armed, sometimes ten-armed forms, such as those found in Badami Caves and Angkor Wat.
• Damaru (Drum): Held in the upper right hand, symbolizes the rhythm of creation and time.
• Agni (Fire): Held in the upper left hand, signifies destruction.
• Cobra and Abhaya Mudra: Cobra uncoils from the lower right forearm; the hand in abhaya mudra signifies fearlessness.
• Lower Left Hand Gesture: Concealing the heart, represents tirodhāna (concealment).
• Three Eyes: Represent the sun, moon, and inner eye (symbolizing knowledge and self-realization); also signify the equilibrium of the three Guṇas: Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas.
• Demon Apasmara: Trampled underfoot, symbolizes ignorance.
• Slightly Smiling Face: Indicates calmness amidst the universe’s contrasting forces.

What does the Nataraja sculpture symbolize in Hinduism?

The Nataraja sculpture symbolizes Shiva’s cosmic functions of creation, destruction, preservation, and blessings. It embodies the eternal cycles of the universe, including birth and death. Additionally, it represents Shiva trampling a dwarf demon named Apasmara or Muyalaka, which symbolizes spiritual ignorance.

Where is the oldest known Nataraja sculpture found, and who constructed it?

The oldest known Nataraja sculpture, dating back to the 6th century AD, is found in the rock-cut temple at Seeyamangalam. This temple, known as Avanibhajana Pallaveshwaram Temple, was constructed by Pallava King Mahendravarman I.

How did the Bhakti movement contribute to the worship of Nataraja?

The Bhakti movement in ancient Tamil Nadu, particularly through the works of the four Shaivite saints known as the “Nalvar” (Sambandar, Appar, Manikkavacakar, and Sundarar), played a significant role in extolling Nataraja. They described the Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram as a central place of worship, solidifying Nataraja worship well before the 7th century AD.

 

How did Nataraja statues evolve during the Chola period?

From the 8th to the 10th century, Nataraja statues evolved in Tamil Nadu, reaching their pinnacle in the form of Chola bronzes. These statues are renowned for their exquisite craftsmanship and artistic expression, typically standing less than four feet in height, though some are larger.

 

Where have Nataraja reliefs and sculptures been discovered outside India?

Nataraja reliefs and sculptures have been discovered in various parts of Southeast Asia, including Angkor Wat, Bali, Cambodia, and Central Asia. This underscores the widespread influence and significance of the Nataraja form of Shiva.

What is the cultural and spiritual significance of Nataraja in Hinduism?

Nataraja holds immense cultural and spiritual significance as a symbol of Shiva’s role as the cosmic dancer. It embodies the eternal cycles of creation, destruction, and the universe’s rhythms. Nataraja is a profound representation of Hindu art and worship practices, influencing both ancient and modern Hindu culture.

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