Shiva holds a prominent place in their artistic imagery. They understand that he has a complex personality, multiple forms and a paradoxical character. If he is sometimes depicted as a meditating ascetic, he is also shown as a destroyer. His dance is sometimes destructive as seen in the annihilation of Andhaka, and sometimes he performs the dance of bliss as the Nataraja.
The blue-bodied Shiva is seen dancing in a tribhanga (thrice-bent) posture. Snakes decorate his body, putting all other ornaments to shame. He dances to the beat of his damaru. His long, disheveled hair is flying in all directions; the long bead strings are being thrown away from the body both denoting swift and vigorous movements. Shiva's two normal eyes and the third eye in the middle of his forehead express his anger, even as a calm Ganga peeps out from his jata-mukuta. Trishula (trident), Shiva's weapon, and Nandi, the bull who is his vehicle are painted on the side to depict their association with the dancing God.
This description by Renu Rana.
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