What is Shiva standing on in the Nataraja representation?

He is surrounded by a ring of flames, standing on a lotus pedestal, lifting his left leg (or in rare cases, the right leg) and balancing / trampling upon a demon shown as a dwarf (Apasmara or Muyalaka) who symbolizes spiritual ignorance.

What is the Shiva Nataraja made of?

bronze
During this period a new kind of sculpture is made, one that combines the expressive qualities of stone temple carvings with the rich iconography possible in bronze casting.

Why is Shiva Lord of dance?

The great Hindu god Shiva has many aspects or forms. Here he appears as Natarāja, the Lord of the Dance. The dance illustrates Shiva’s role as the deity who destroys the cosmos so that it can be renewed again. Shiva oversees the endless cycles of time, marking its pace with his drum and footsteps.

What is cosmic dance of Shiva?

The cosmic dance of Lord Shiva has symbolizes fivefold aspects of Divine control of the universe namely; creation, preservation, destruction, illusion and grace. When he dances, matter, energy and sound are sorted out through the vibration of His drum and such as are created by His moves.

Can we keep Natraj at home?

According to Vastu, the idol of Nataraja should not be kept in the house. Lord Shiva resides in the position of Tandava in the idol of Nataraja. This form of Shiva is destructive, so the idol or picture of Nataraja should not be kept in the house.

What is the significance of Nataraja dance?

So, Lord Shiva put his foot on him and performed the cosmic dance that symbolizes the cosmic cycles of creation and destruction. The holy men acknowledged Shiva as their master. Thus, Lord Shiva, through his divine act of dance, in the form of Nataraja, takes away the ignorance from our minds.

What is Shiva showing us through his Nataraj form / dance?

Shiva in His Nataraj form is shown in the Mudra , standing on a body. That is not a baby’s body , but the Asur called Apasmara. What is Shiva showing us through his Nataraj form / dance?? Nataraj form is the Cosmic dance of Shiva.

What is the story of Lord Shiva dancing?

Lord Shiva as Nataraja (Dancing Shiva) was first illustrated in the Chola bronze statues where he was shown dancing on an aureole of flames, with one foot on the dwarf, Apasmara and the other in the air. The dwarf is considered to be the symbol of ignorance.

Why is Nataraj Dancing with four hands?

In a marvelously unified and dynamic composition expressing the rhythm and harmony of life, Nataraj is shown with four hands represent the cardinal directions. He is dancing, with his left foot elegantly raised and the right foot on a prostrate figure—’Apasmara Purusha’, the personification of illusion and ignorance over whom Shiva triumphs.