The image shows a brass statue of Panchaloga Nadarajar (Nataraja) that stands 12 inches tall and weighs 3.350 kilograms. The statue depicts Lord Shiva in his cosmic dance form, known as Nataraja. The base of the statue measures 7.1 inches in length and 3.5 inches in width.
Definition of Nataraja:
Nataraja, meaning "Lord of Dance," is a depiction of the Hindu god Shiva as the cosmic dancer who performs the divine dance to destroy a weary universe and make preparations for the god Brahma to start the process of creation. The dance of Nataraja symbolizes the cosmic cycles of creation and destruction, as well as the daily rhythm of birth and death.
In the statue:
- Shiva is shown with four arms, each holding symbolic items or making symbolic gestures (mudras).
- One foot is lifted in a dance posture, while the other stands on a demon figure (Apasmara), symbolizing ignorance.
- The circular ring around Shiva represents the cosmic fire that both creates and destroys the universe.
- The serene expression on Shiva's face reflects his transcendence over the chaos of the universe.
This image beautifully represents the spiritual and philosophical concept of the universe's dynamic balance through the dance of Shiva as Nataraja.