Shiva – The Lord Of The Dance
Shiva is one of the main trio of Hindu gods. Brahma creates, Vishnu maintains and Shiva destroys [the bad things so that there can be rebirth]. His followers [Shaivites] believe that he is the supreme Lord, the creator, protector and transformer of the universe. He is the atman, the soul of the universe.
He is often depicted with 4 arms, dancing the Tandavam or Nadanta within a circle surrounded by flames standing on a lotus pedestal.
Shiva one of the most iconic images in Hinduism
This depiction of Shiva is one of the most iconic images in Hinduism or yoga. Natarajasana, Lord of the dance. It represents all his aspects- creator, maintainer and destroyer.
But look more closely. The representation is packed with imagery – what does it all mean?
- Shiva is in the centre of the circle meaning that he is at the centre of everything, the centre of the universe
- There are flames surrounding the circle which represent either suffering – dukkha, or the light of our consciousness
- He has 4 arms showing that he can reach everywhere and is in everything
- He holds a drum [damaru] in his back right hand representing the pulse of creation, the new and a flame in his back left hand representing completion. These 2 hands are at equal height showing that there is equality. Whenever there is destruction there is rebirth, something new
- His front left hand draped with a snake crosses his body palm facing inwards and the arm covers his heart. This indicates that we do not see this destruction and renewal. The hand points down towards his raised left foot – the divine universal dance. His front right hand points up palm facing forward in abahaya or fear not mudra, open – divine revelation. Together they represent that things are both concealed and revealed at the same time
And finally
- Shiva is trampling on a figure sometimes called a demon and he represents the “not knowing” or ignorance. He is sometimes depicted with his hands in Anjali mudra.