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Nataraja

नटराज • Naṭarāja

"Lord of Dance (Nata = Dance/Drama + Raja = King)"

Shiva Form Shaivism; especially South Indian
Nrityamurthy Tandaveshwara Sabesan
Epithets
Tandava-priya (Lover of Tandava) Anandatandava (Dancer of Bliss) Koothan (Tamil for dancer)

Category & Classification

Type
Shiva Form
Tradition
Shaivism; especially South Indian
Aspect
Cosmic Dancer

Iconography

Form
Dancing figure within a ring of fire
Complexion
White or ash-covered
Faces
1
Arms
4
Posture
Ananda Tandava - Dance of Bliss
Attributes & Weapons
  • Damaru (Drum) (Upper right) - Sound of creation; rhythm of universe; Nada
  • Agni (Fire) (Upper left) - Destruction; transformation; purification
  • Abhaya mudra (Lower right) - Fear not; protection
  • Gaja hasta pointing to raised foot (Lower left) - Liberation; grace
Distinctive Features
  • Ring of flames (Prabha Mandala)
  • Raised left leg
  • Trampling Apasmara (dwarf)

Family & Relations

Origin Shiva's cosmic dance that creates, maintains, and destroys the universe

Mythology & Stories

Shiva's cosmic dance that creates, maintains, and destroys the universe

Nataraja represents the cosmic cycles of creation and destruction, the dance of the universe, and the bliss of spiritual liberation.

Cosmic Dance

The universe is Shiva's perpetual dance. Creation arises from his drum, destruction from his fire, continuation from his steady stance.

Source: Shaiva tradition

Chidambaram Legend

Shiva danced the Ananda Tandava at Chidambaram (Thillai) to subdue arrogant sages. Patanjali and Vyaghrapada witnessed this cosmic dance.

Source: Periya Puranam, Shaiva texts

Defeating Sages at Daruka Forest

Arrogant sages tried to destroy Shiva through rituals. He danced, defeating all their attacks, revealing his supreme nature.

Source: Puranic tradition

Worship & Mantras

Mantras

Beej Mantra

Om Natarajaya Namah

Mool Mantra

Om Namo Bhagavate Natarajaya

Panchakshara Mantra

Na Ma Si Va Ya (associated with Nataraja especially)

Stotras & Hymns
Nataraja Stotram Chidambara Rahasya
Auspicious Days
Thursday (Pradosh) Shivaratri Arudra Darshan
Offerings
  • Bilva leaves
  • Flowers
  • Dance offerings

Temples

Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram

Tamil Nadu

Primary Nataraja shrine; site of Ananda Tandava; one of Pancha Bhuta Sthalams (space element)

Brihadeeswara Temple

Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu

Famous Nataraja bronze; Chola dynasty masterpiece

Associated Festivals

Arudra Darshan (when Ardra nakshatra coincides) Natyanjali (dance festival)

Astrological Connection

Planet
Associated with all planets through cosmic dance
Nakshatra
Ardra (Arudra) - Shiva's star; special worship
Day
Thursday Pradosh; Arudra day
Remedial For
Artistic blocks Need for grace Transcendence Understanding cosmic cycles

Symbolism & Philosophy

Cosmic Role: Cosmic dancer; universe as his dance; rhythm of existence

Cosmic rhythm Creation-destruction cycle Grace Liberation Transcendence

The universe is Shiva's dance - a constant play of energy. The stillness at the center of the dance represents the unmoved consciousness amid all cosmic activity. Trampling ignorance while dancing in bliss shows liberation while engaged in the world.

CERN has a Nataraja statue; cosmic dance seen as metaphor for subatomic particles' dance