Vageesh Express

Deity of the Month

Nataraja

The second article on Siva is devoted to Nataraja. Siva appears both in iconic and non-iconic forms. Nataraja is the iconic form of Siva; non-iconic form is Siva Lingam. Nataraja means ‘King of Dance’. It is believed that Nataraja is always performing his cosmic dance and when he stops the dance, the whole universe will stop.

Dance is the orderly performance of movement. The universe with its galaxies, star systems, plants, etc, are always moving and are in an orderly and synchronized orbit around each other. This could be compared to a skillful dance. Let us immerse ourselves in his darshan and find what he represents.

His dance denotes that he is the mover of everything in universe and there is rhythm and order in all movement. The thiruvadai (circular covering) around him shows flames emanating from it. This denotes the universe is in spherical form, it is constantly created and destroyed.

He carries out five duties, creation, preservation, annihilation, hiding and blessing. Creation is shown by the Udukkai (small drum) in his right hand. Udukkai creates the primal sound ‘OM’ from which Vedas oroginated and from that sound, everything was created. His other right hand is in ‘Abhaya mudra’, which shows he is preserving everything that is created. His left hand carries eternal fire denoting that everything will be annihilated by changing into another. For example, hydrogen and oxygen combine themselves; lose their original character to become water. A child’s body changes its form to become a youth, old person and finally decomposes when the atman (soul) leaves the body. Hence, there is constant annihilation and creation. However, the life does not end there. Everything is created for a higher purpose and not just for creation and recreation.

We all came from Siva. We are all Siva. Although we hear about it, we do not realize the Siva within us. Once we realize it then we become one with Siva and merge with him. If all of us realize this, then there will not be any creation, and recreation. Everything will come to a standstill. Hence, Siva makes us forget that we are one with him. We think we are a separate entity. This forgetfulness is denoted by his dance on the Apasmara Purusha (demon of ignorance). He also shows us the way for realizing him through his left hand pointing to his feet. Once we overcome our ego, let go of it and surrender in his feet, we will realize him and become one with him. Until that time, we will go through the cycle of birth and death again and again.

Nataraja wears a man’s earring in one ear and woman’s earring in another. This denotes that he is both man and woman. Realizing this, holy poet Appar (Thirunavukkarasar) describes him as ‘Ammaiye appa’ (O my father who is also my mother). He carries holy river Ganga (Ganges) on his head indicating the life giving water, which preserves all life. He wears snakes as jewellery. This indicates the kundalini force residing in every one of us. When kundalini is raised and properly channeled, we get control of our body, mind and use that to merge with Siva. Misused, they are as deadly as snakes.

The waxing moon (Pirai Chandran) indicates that he keeps “kama” under control. The waxing and waning moon indicates that the Kama changes so that new lives and new life forms are constantly created.

Nataraja deity is present in all Siva temples. He always faces south. He is lovingly prayed as, ‘Thennadudaiya Sivane Potri, ennattavarkkum iraiva potri’ meaning Hail to Siva who has the South country, Hail to one who is the lord of all countries. He now graces many houses in an art form irrespective of religion. The biggest Nataraja deity is in CERN, nuclear particle research laboratory in Switzerland.

Let us join in the prayer of Nataraja to realize his blessings:

Worthy of singing prayer by all the worlds having felt him;

Has the waxing moon and water on his body

Shining beyond comparison, dances in the stage,

Let us hail and pray to his flowery feet.

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