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13" Dancing Lord Nataraja Brass Sculpture from Nepal

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Shiva as Nataraja (the Lord of Dance) is an emblem and symbol for the bronzes of Tamil Nadu, in which the most popular representations of the Dancing Lord are sculpted. This brass Nataraja statue from Nepal takes the iconography of Nataraja bronzes and translates it into the art of Nepal, beautifully.

A typical Nepalese lotus pedestal has been offered to Nataraja who balances his dynamic form marvelously on Apasmara, who from a plump demon of bronzes has been transformed into a mature male figure in the brass statue. Nataraja on the other hand appears younger than the bronze dancing Shiva idols, with a boyishness on his face, balanced by the Tripunda and third-eye which bring a profound maturity. The headgear of Nataraja is an elaborate element, embellished by the crescent moon, Ganga, serpent, and flower, followed by braided tresses (Jata) which flow majestically on each side of the statue.

In these four hands, Nataraja carries the usual attributes- damru (drum), snake, Agni (fire), and the Gajahastha mudra, pointing to his raised foot, as the refuge to the devotee. The aureole for the Nataraja on the outer section has the regular first edgings, while on the inside are clouds, a Nepalese-Buddhist element, a fitting addition to the iconography of Nataraja, as symbols of transformation and impermanence of the world.

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Item Code:	MIT162
Specifications:	Brass
Height:	13 inch
Width:	11.5 inch
Depth:	5.5 inch
Weight:	2.10 kg

Handmade

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100% Made in India

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The Art and Symbolism of Nataraja: Unraveling the Mysteries of Lord Shiva's Cosmic Dance

Lord Shiva appears in the form of Nataraja to perform his divine act of Cosmic dance (Tandava). The word Nataraja denotes 'The King of Dance'. Natya means “dance” and Raja means “king”. The Nataraja form symbolizes the destruction of the universe. The Lord performs Rudra Tandava to destroy the illusion, an evil residing within the hearts of the living beings. The destruction is the end of the cycle of birth and death, and the beginning of spiritual enlightenment of the individual souls misguided by Maya (illusion).

Lord Nataraja wears a serpent coiled around his neck. He holds 'Agni' (fire) in his posterior left hand which signifies the energetic vibrations for the destruction of the world. His anterior left hand takes the shape of Gajahasta (Elephant hand) or Dandahasta, showering his blessings upon his devotees, and extends towards his left leg. There is a snake wrapped in his anterior right arm that represents 'Abhaya' (without any fear). His posterior right hand is carrying a musical instrument 'Damroo', which represents time and rhythm. His whirling hair stands out as a fan behind his head as he performs the divine cosmic dance He is surrounded by a fiery ring 'Prabha Mandala' that represents the material world, full of suffering and pain. Thus, this form of Lord shiva ultimately depicts the destruction of the ignorance of all the spirit souls, showing them the path to liberation.

What is special about Nataraja?

Nataraja is considered one of the highest forms of Lord Shiva in which he performs the functions of creation, maintenance, and destruction of this material world. Shaivites worship this form of Shiva and take blessings from him to remove all obstacles in their devotional life. His three eyes symbolize an equilibrium of the three modes of material nature namely sattva (mode of goodness), rajas (mode of passion), and tamas (mode of ignorance). The special purpose of his Tandava (transcendental dance) is to release the conditioned souls of this material world from the clutches of Maya which is the external energy of the Supreme Lord Vishnu or Krishna.

Who is under the feet of Nataraja?

Lord Nataraja stands on a lotus pedestal placing his right foot on the dwarf demon named Apasmara. This demon represents spiritual ignorance and nonsensical speech. According to the Vedic scriptures, ignorance is the greatest enemy and obstacle on the path of self-realization. To preserve knowledge in the world, Apasmara must be subdued to bring about spiritual knowledge or transcendental wisdom. For this purpose, Lord Shiva assumed the form of Nataraja and with his rhythmic movements, he placed his foot on the demon Apasmara and crushed him to death. Thus, signifying that whoever takes the shelter of Nataraja, is freed from ignorance and has his doors open for spiritual advancement.

Can we keep Nataraja statue at home?

Many people believe that the statue of Nataraja should not be kept and worshiped at home because this form of Lord Shiva is associated with ultimate destruction. They believe that it will only bring about auspiciousness in their lives. However, as discussed earlier, Nataraja's Tandava dance has a deeper meaning. It is the celebration of the destruction of ignorance in the path of self-realization which is in fact the victory of good over evil. Thus, one can surely keep the statue in their home.

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