Nataraja
नटराज • Naṭarāja
"Lord of Dance (Nata = Dance/Drama + Raja = King)"
Category & Classification
Iconography
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
Om Natarajaya Namah
Om Namo Bhagavate Natarajaya
Na Ma Si Va Ya (associated with Nataraja especially)
Stotras & Hymns
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
Astrological Connection
Symbolism & Philosophy
Cosmic Role: Cosmic dancer; universe as his dance; rhythm of existence
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
