Why Nataraja Statue Stands Tall in Indian Art History

Lord Shiva is the supreme deity who is strong and fierce, but also serene and loving. He is the destroyer of worlds and also a phenomenal dancer. Lord Shiva is called Nataraja or Tandava, the cosmic dancer.

Nata means “art, drama, dance,” and Raja means “king or lord." Hence, Nataraja means the king of dance or the Lord of the dance. 

It is said that in the form of Lord Nataraja, he performs his divine duties of creation, destruction, and preservation. Nataraja is often depicted in the Natya Shastra pose, holding various mudras. 

The statue of Nataraja, often made from bronze, is a piece of art itself, holding prominent significance in Hinduism. 

In this blog, we explore the history, beauty, and significance of the Nataraja statue. 

The Origins and Evolution of the Nataraja Statue

The oldest Nataraja sculpture found dates back to the 6th century CE, from the Avanibhajana Pallaveshwaram Temple constructed by Pallava King Mahendravarman. The stone sculptures found at the Ellora caves and Badami caves around the 6th century were also part of the earliest appearances. 

Although sculptures were found in the 6th century, the current holy form evolved under the golden Chola dynasty in Tamil Nadu. Around the 8th and 10th centuries, the current form of bronze statues emerged, typically less than 4 feet in height. 

Lord Nataraja’s relief was also found in Angkor Wat and in Bali, Cambodia, and Central Asia.

Symbolism and iconography

The statue in itself is a representation of cosmic rhythm, divine energy, and the cycle of life. Every aspect of the statue has a unique meaning and story behind it. 

The statue usually represents Lord Shiva performing the Ananda Tandava, also called the dance of bliss, which is the dance of creation and destruction. This also resonates with the whole rhythm of the three worlds. 

In his right upper hand, the lord holds the damaru, a hand drum that made the very first sound of creation. On his left upper hand, he holds Agni, the fire that destroys the universe. 

With his right lower hand, he holds the abhayamudra that allays fear. 

Under his feet lies the dwarflike figure, which represents the apasmara Purusha, the illusion that affects mankind. Lord Shiva’s front left hand points to his raised feet, signifying the refuge for the troubled soul. 

This form of Lord Shiva represents that belief in him will bring salvation to his devotees. 

Artistic Excellence

Alongside being an iconic symbol in Hinduism with religious significance, the statue is an exquisite piece of art, adding beauty to the tapestry of the Indian artistic realm. 

The Chola artisans, in particular, captured and portrayed a perfect balance between form and expression. The statue perfectly radiated the serene expressions of Shiva while still giving the flows and waves of dance. The intricate details made the statue have fluidity, grace, and beauty with perfect proportions. The flowing hair of Lord Shiva is also depicted in the Nataraja statue, which is an expression of the artist’s talent. 

The intricate detailing also shows us the excellent craftsmanship and devotion of the artisans of the Chola period and the eminence that the Chola dynasty placed on art and architecture. 

Cultural and historical significance

The statue, as said above, holds a lot of significance in Hinduism and in the culture of India. The statues are the main idols of devotion in various temples, like the Nataraja temple in Chidambaram. 

The Natarajar statue represents the cycle of cosmic balance, and it illustrates the connection between creation, destruction, and preservation. 

Often described as fierce and dressed in lion skin and skin covered in ashes, the Nataraja statues depict the dual nature of Lord Shiva. He is adorned with jewelry, radiating a divine and royal glow as the benevolent creator. 

Furthermore, the statue is a great inspiration for thousands of works of art, architecture, and literature in Tamil Nadu. Notably, Natarajar is the revered idol for the classical dance form Bharatanatyam. 

Scientific and cosmic connection

The statue holds lots of mystery and scientific relations, apart from being a religious symbol. Fritjof Capra, a renowned physicist, drew the parallels between Nataraja's dance and quantum physics. He observes the dance of atoms and molecules within the cellular structure, which is a mirror representation of the dance of Natarajar. 

It is said that the dance of Lord Shiva is a representation of the wild dance of particles that comprises everything visible and invisible. 

Conclusion

Although revered as the fierce destroyer, Lord Shiva in the form of Natarajar is the epitome of beauty, marvel, and art. With origins dating back to the 6th century, the statue holds massive significance in Hinduism and the culture of India. 

In addition, the statue encompasses scientific mysteries and explanations shrouded by mankind. It is an object of marvel, which can pave the way for the exploration of the cycle of life and death, quantum physics, and also divine philosophy. 

Natarajar art is not just a spiritual object of devotion but instead a symbol of the dance of life, enlightenment, and transcendence from human life. 

So, buy a Tanjore art right now and receive the blessings of Lord Natarajar.