Natraj

Natraj

South India

         Lord Shiva as Natraj taught dance to the gods and mankind.  But he also danced on other occasions such as the dance of destruction and dance in the skin of the elephant demon, Gajasura. These dances depict the dynamic side of dance called "Tandav". They are full of movement, energy and rhythm. 

         Here the sculptor has captured the ferocity of the figure by the multiple arms moving in a circle, by the diagonal tilt of the body and by the placid stand of goddess Parvati.  The entire sculpture seems to move with energy