नटराज

Meaning

The King of Dance. This is the ultimate icon of Hindu spirituality. The ring of fire (Tiruvasi) represents the universe. His raised left foot signifies liberation (Kunchitapada), while the right foot crushes the dwarf Apasmara, symbolizing the suppression of ignorance. His four arms represent the four directions. The Damaru creates sound, the flame destroys the old, and the Abhaya mudra tells the seeker to fear not. It is the perfect balance of dynamic energy and internal stillness. Physicist Fritjof Capra noted that this dance mirrors the rhythm of subatomic particles.

Story · From tradition

The Chidambara Mahatmya tells of Shiva entering the Daruka forest to humble arrogant rishis. The sages, through black magic, sent a ferocious tiger, which Shiva skinned with a fingernail to wear as a loincloth. Then came a giant serpent, which he draped as a necklace. Finally, they sent the demon dwarf Apasmara. Shiva stepped upon the dwarf's back and began the Ananda Tandava, the dance of bliss. Seeing this cosmic rhythm, the pride of the sages dissolved. They realized that the entire universe is but a vibration of his dancing feet. Source: Chidambara Mahatmya and Unmai Vilakkam.