Nataraja

Nataraja is the Hindu god Shiva, depicted as a divine dancer. Traditional religious texts describe her dance postures and artistic works. The sculpture is symbolic of Shiva as the lord of dance and dramatic arts. Nataraja is the form of Shiva in which he performs his functions of creation, destruction, and protection and at the same time he blesses his devotees. Such dancing icons are displayed in Shaivite Hindu temples.

The word ‘Nataraja’ is derived from the Sanskrit language with ‘Nata’ meaning ‘acting’, ‘drama’, ‘dance’, and ‘Raja’ meaning ‘king’, ‘lord’. As such, he may be called ‘Lord of the Dance’ or ‘King of Dance’. The name relates to Shiva’s reputation as the ‘King of Actors’ or ‘Lord of Dancers’.

The two most common dance forms of Shiva are – (1) Lasya (mild form of dance), associated with the creation of the world, and (2) Tandava (vigorous form of dance), associated with the destruction of the world. Lasya and Tandava are the two aspects of Shiva’s nature. He destroys to create; Again, tear down to build.

In Nataraja sculptures, the two-armed or four-armed or ten-armed Shiva is usually seen dancing in various poses. His arms holding weapons are in different positions. A musical instrument is held in one hand at the back. His body, fingers, ankles, neck, face, head, and earlobes are shown adorned with various ornaments. Sometimes he is surrounded by flames, standing at a lotus, standing on a Nandi (bull), dancing (left leg or right leg raised). His energetic dance moves are depicted with swirling hair, which spreads like a fan at the back of his head. His different forms are seen in different historical times and regions.

Stone sculptures depicting classical forms of Nataraja are found in a number of cave temples in India; sush as: Ellora Caves (Maharashtra), Elephanta Caves and Badami Caves (Karnataka) during circa 6th century CE. Medieval artefacts found in Nepal, Assam, West Bengal and Bangladesh show a dancing Shiva sometimes dancing on his vehicle Nandi (bull). He is also regionally known as Narteshwara. [Md Shahin Alam]

Image: Nataraja, Period: Circa 7th – 8th Century CE (?), Mainamati Museum, Department of Archaeology, Cumilla, Bangladesh.

What Nataraja means?