Lord Shiva as Natraj ( Lord of Dance )

Lord Shiva as Natraj ( Lord of Dance )

Ellora Caves,Rashtrakuta Dynasty,8th Century CE

Popularly Natraj is associated with Tamil Nadu in general and with Chola art in particular.  But the popularity of Natraj is across the country. Natraj has been depicted in the temples of Khajaraho in M. P. and in Badoli in Rajasthan. 

In the Kailash Temple at Ellora we find different versions of Natraj: as performing in the assembly of the Gods, while performing the "Tandav", the dance of destruction.  Here is another example of Natraj performing the Tandav dance. With arms moving like the spokes of a wheel, with the body bent in three different direction,  with the head looking skywards, the Lord is in a frenzy. 

To the Indian mind, Natraj is a summary of Hindu philosophy.  While it is a dance of destruction, it is the birth of creation.  For the fire and the drum, the two symbols of destruction and creation are at the same level. Similarly while the skull tops the hair knot or is hidden in the Crown,  Ganges also  flows from the hair. Thus death and immortality are balanced. The dual aspect of Nature is beautifully depicted in the image of Natraj. 

Surprisingly while the Lord is in fury, Goddess Parvati is epitome of calmness and tranquility.  She quietly sits watching the dance of life and death. Nature is detached from the mundane affairs of life and death. So should we.