To the left of Nandi’s statue, devotees have the divine darshan of Lord Nataraja, whose idol slowly rotates on its axis amidst water fountains. Nataraja represents Lord Shiva’s cosmic dance, the ‘Tandava,’ symbolizing the rhythm of creation and destruction. This divine dance inspires the soul to break free from worldly bonds and move towards self-realization.
Nataraja: The Cosmic Dance of Shiva and the Mystery of Creation
Lord Nataraja is one of the most iconic and profound forms of Lord Shiva, depicted performing the cosmic dance (Tandava). This divine form symbolizes the eternal cycle of creation, preservation, and destruction, representing the rhythm of the universe and the flow of life itself.
The Divine Elements of Nataraja
The Dance (Tandava):
Nataraja’s Tandava dance embodies the dynamic cosmic energy, portraying the continuous process of creation, sustenance, and dissolution in the universe.
Fire (Symbol of Destruction):
In one hand, Shiva holds fire, representing destruction, which is essential for new creation to emerge.
Damaru (The Sound of Creation):
The drum in his other hand symbolizes the primordial sound of creation, the sacred “Om,” which resonates as the pulse of the cosmos.
Abhaya Mudra (Gesture of Fearlessness):
Nataraja’s raised hand in Abhaya Mudra assures devotees of protection and liberation from fear.
Dwarf Under Foot (Conquest of Ignorance):
The dwarf crushed beneath his foot signifies ignorance and ego, which Shiva has subdued to establish truth and wisdom.
Ring of Fire (Cycle of Time):
The flaming circle around Nataraja represents the endless cycles of time and the universe, ever revolving and infinite.
Serpent (Kundalini Energy):
The serpent coiled around Shiva’s neck symbolizes Kundalini Shakti, the dormant spiritual energy within every being, waiting to awaken.
Who is under Nataraja’s feet, and what is its significance?
Under Nataraja’s right foot lies a dwarf demon named Apasmara, who symbolizes ignorance and arrogance. According to legend, Apasmara was granted a boon that made him immortal and gave him the power to steal people’s consciousness. Drunk with pride, he began tormenting sages and considered himself invincible. When Lord Shiva appeared in the form of Nataraja and performed his cosmic dance (Tandava), he subdued Apasmara by pressing him under his foot. Shiva did not kill Apasmara because ignorance must be kept suppressed, not destroyed, to maintain the balance of knowledge and ignorance in the universe. Apasmara under Nataraja’s foot represents the victory of wisdom over ignorance.
