Shiva Nataraja: Shiva as Lord of the Dance & Master of Time

Shiva Nataraja (or Nataraj), or Dancing Shiva, is a depiction of Lord Shiva as “Lord of the Dance” and is one of the most recognizable and iconic images in Hindu art. The word “Nataraja” derives from the Sanskrit words “nata” meaning dance and “raja” meaning king. Shiva’s dance is called the “Tandava” and is an important aspect of Hindu religion and mythology, as it is seen as both a destructive and creative force, representing the cyclical nature of the universe.

Featured Image: Richard Mortel from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Nataraja, Chola period bronze, 11th century, Government Museum, Chennai (5), CC BY 2.0

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Table of Contents

Historical Background of Shiva Nataraja
Shiva in Hindu Mythology
The Symbolism of Shiva Nataraja
Aldous Huxley & Auguste Rodin on Shiva Nataraja
Interpretation & Significance of Shiva Nataraja
The Deeper Meaning of Shiva Nataraja
- The Legend of Brahma & Satarupa
Shiva Nataraja & Physics
Shiva Nataraja at CERN, Geneva
Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Historical Background of Shiva Nataraja

The origins of the iconography of Shiva Nataraja can be traced back to the Chola dynasty in southern India, which flourished from the 9th to the 13th century CE. The Chola rulers were great patrons of the arts, and many of the most iconic images of Shiva Nataraja were created during this period.

The image of Shiva Nataraja was not only a religious symbol but also a political one, representing the power and authority of the Chola dynasty. A great advancement within the arts during that period was in the field of bronze sculptures. Many of the sculptures and bronzes of Shiva Nataraja that survive today were commissioned during the 10th century.

Over the centuries, the iconography of Shiva Nataraja continued to evolve and develop, as different artists added their own unique interpretations and symbolism to the figure. Today, the image of Shiva Nataraja can be found not only in Hindu temples but also in art museums and galleries around the world.

The most famous of these temples is the Shiva temple at Chidambaram in the state of Tamil Nadu. This temple is dedicated to Shiva as Nataraja, and his Tandava dance is celebrated in an annual festival known as Ananda Tandava.

The Nataraja statue is celebrated as a masterpiece of Indian art, and is considered to be one of the most important pieces of Hindu iconography. One of the most famous Nataraja sculptures is housed in the Asian Art section of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.

Shiva in Hindu Mythology

To understand the significance of Shiva Nataraja, it is important to explore the role of Shiva in Hindu mythology more broadly. Shiva is one of the most complex and multifaceted gods in Hinduism, embodying both the creative and destructive aspects of the universe.

As a god of destruction, Shiva is often depicted as a fearsome figure with matted hair, a third eye, and a trident in his hand. At the same time, Shiva is also a god of creation, associated with fertility, prosperity, and spiritual liberation. Most of the time he depicted as a meditating yogi, but he is also shown as a family man, with his wife, Parvati, and two sons, Ganesha and Kartikeya.

The Symbolism of Shiva Nataraja

In his depiction as Lord Nataraja, Shiva is shown dancing within a cosmic circle of fire, to symbolize the Hindu belief that time is cyclical and without end. His hair is flying around him, representing the wild and untamed aspects of the god, but also the energy of the dance. The lifted left leg and raised left foot signify spiritual grace. His right foot is firmly planted on the dwarf demon Apasmara, who represents ignorance and negativity. The face of the god remains tranquil as he performs the dance, representing the perfect expression of the rhythmic movement of the cosmos.

Shiva’s four arms represent the four cardinal directions and the different aspects of his power. In the upper right hand, he holds a drum or damaru, believed to have made the first sounds of creation, while in his upper left hand, palm facing upwards, he holds Agni, the flame, representing the power of destruction. With his lower right hand he makes the abhaya mudra or “fear not” gesture while a cobra uncoils from his forearm. His lower left hand, palm facing downwards, stretched diagonally across his chest, conceals his heart from view.

The dance of Shiva Nataraja symbolizes the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, and the continual process of creation and destruction. It also represents the idea that everything in the universe is connected and in constant motion, and that all aspects of existence are ultimately unified.

Aldous Huxley & Auguste Rodin on Shiva Nataraja

In Aldous Huxley’s book, “The Doors of Perception”, he describes the Nataraja statue as “the clearest image of the activity of God which any art or religion can boast of.” Huxley was fascinated by the cosmic and psychological symbolism behind the Nataraja statue, and saw it as a representation of the cosmic dance that is constantly taking place within the universe. Also, in the eyes of the famous French sculptor Auguste Rodin, the Shiva Nataraja represented the most perfect expression of rhythmic movement.

Interpretation & Significance of Shiva Nataraja

The image of Shiva Nataraja has many different interpretations and levels of significance in Hinduism and beyond:

The cosmic dance of creation and destruction: The dynamic pose of Shiva Nataraja represents the eternal dance of creation and destruction that underlies the universe. Shiva’s drumbeat represents the rhythm of life, while the flames of the fire represent the destructive power of time.

The interplay of chaos and order: Shiva Nataraja represents the balance between chaos and order, between the destructive and the creative forces of the universe. His dance symbolizes the eternal tension between these opposing forces, which ultimately lead to the creation and destruction of all things.

The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth: Shiva Nataraja represents the cycle of life, death, and rebirth, which is central to Hinduism and many other religions. The god’s dancing pose represents the constant movement and transformation of the universe, as all things are born, die, and are reborn again.

Spiritual transcendence and transformation: Shiva Nataraja is often seen as a symbol of spiritual transcendence and transformation. The god’s dance represents the transformation of the individual soul, as it moves from ignorance and attachment to enlightenment and liberation.

The Deeper Meaning of Shiva Nataraja

Shiva’s destructive power is not meant to cause harm but rather to create a path towards a higher understanding of reality. In this sense, the act of destruction is seen as a transformative force that ultimately leads to the creation of something new and positive.

According to Hindu philosophy, ignorance and illusions are the root causes of suffering and prevent individuals from realizing their true nature. Shiva, as the destroyer of these negative qualities, helps individuals overcome their limitations and attain self-realization. The symbolism of Shiva as the destroyer of illusions and ignorance is clearly illustrated in the story of Brahma and Shatarupa.

The Legend of Brahma & Satarupa

According to mythology, after creating the universe and all the living beings, Brahma created a female deity known as Shatarupa, to be his daughter and consort. However, he fell in love with her and followed her wherever she went. Angered by his ungodly and unacceptable behavior, Shiva admonished Brahma and cut off his head.

This colorful and well known Hindu myth has a deeper meaning: Brahma’s attraction to his own daughter represents our attachment to our self-created world, leading to a deluded ego that sees itself everywhere. The decapitation of Brahma’s head by Shiva signifies the destruction of the illusory world of Maya created by our own Brahma.

Shiva Nataraja & Physics

There are various interpretations and connections between Hindu God Shiva and the science of Physics that have been proposed by scholars and spiritualists.

In the Nataraja form, Shiva is shown performing the cosmic dance, which represents the destruction and creation of the universe. The dance is seen by researchers as a metaphor for the rhythms and patterns of nature, which are studied in physics.

Another connection between Shiva and physics can be seen in the concept of the third eye, which is believed to be a spiritual eye that can see beyond the physical world. This concept has been associated with the idea of intuition and the ability to understand complex phenomena, which is also a key aspect of physics.

Furthermore, some scholars have drawn parallels between the Hindu concept of Maya (illusion) and the principles of quantum mechanics, which suggest that the physical world is made up of particles and waves that behave differently depending on how they are observed.

It is worth noting that all the above connections are largely speculative and interpretive, and there is no scientific evidence to support them. However, they offer an interesting perspective on the relationship between spirituality and science, and how different cultures have interpreted the natural world throughout history.

Shiva Nataraja at CERN, Geneva

The statue of Shiva Nataraja at CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research) in Geneva, Switzerland was gifted by the Indian government as a symbol of the their collaboration in the field of particle physics.

The Nataraja statue at CERN is meant to symbolize the cosmic dance of subatomic particles, which is a key focus of their research. The statue is located outside the main auditorium at CERN, and is seen by many as a symbol of the intersection between science and spirituality.

While the statue has sparked some controversy, with some critics questioning the appropriateness of a religious symbol in a scientific institution, many scientists and researchers at see it as a symbol of the universality of human culture and the importance of artistic and cultural expression in the pursuit of scientific knowledge.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Shiva Nataraja is a multifaceted and complex figure in Hinduism, representing the interplay of creation and destruction, chaos and order, and the eternal cycle of life. The many different interpretations and levels of significance of the Nataraja, reflect the richness and complexity of Hindu mythology and spirituality.

Whether seen as a symbol of cosmic dance, the balance between chaos and order, the cycle of birth and rebirth, or spiritual transformation, Shiva Nataraja remains an enduring and beloved figure in Hinduism and beyond. As we continue to explore the mysteries and wonders of the universe, the image of Shiva Nataraja reminds us of the eternal dance of creation and destruction that lies at the heart of all things.