“Shivananda Kuttu”- Shiva’s dance of delight is how the Tamil text Tirumantiram describes the Nataraja form. Enthralling the three realms, Shiva as Nataraja or Lord of Dance is the representative icon of Panchaloha tradition of Swamimalai. This splendid bronze statue depicts the awe-inspiring form, standing atop a two-tiered platform, balancing his cosmic dynamism over Apasmara or the demon of ignorance, radiating an aura which is marked by the aureole emerging from the gaping mouth of Makara.

Shiva’s graceful form is adorned with the crescent moon, Naagabhushana (serpent ornaments), a short dhoti and armlets and anklets. His Jata flying majestically around him creates an ethereal halo, nestled in which goddess Ganga experiences the dance of Mahadeva.