Introduction:
You know how beautiful our culture our religion are and here is one more proof of it, Natraja. May be you never hear the name Natraja but the picture showed in title was definitely familiar to you.Have you ever imagine that whom the symbol is? The symbol which placed mostly in folk dance academies is Natraja. Natraja is nothing but the dancing shiva. Means Lord shiva is doing Taandav. Read till the end to knows more about Taandav and the iconic symbol of Natraja.
About Natraja,
Nataraja is a deity in Hinduism who is commonly known as the Lord of Dance. The word "Nataraja" is derived from two Sanskrit words: "Nata" means dance, and "Raja" means king or lord. Nataraja is often depicted as a graceful dancer performing the cosmic dance (लौकिक नृत्य), surrounded by a ring of fire. This iconic image symbolizes the cycle of creation, preservation, and destruction in the universe. Nataraja is considered a manifestation of Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities in Hinduism.
Here are the two primary forms of dance in Hinduism.
1. Tandava: Tandava is a vigorous and powerful form of dance associated with Lord Shiva. It is often described as the dance of destruction or the cosmic dance of Shiva. Tandava is characterized by its energetic movements, with Lord Shiva portrayed as the supreme dancer who performs this dance to destroy and recreate the universe. The dance symbolizes the cycle of creation, preservation, and dissolution.
2. Lasya: Lasya is a gentle and graceful form of dance associated with the goddess Parvati. It is considered the feminine counterpart of Tandava and is often described as the dance of beauty, charm, and happiness. Lasya is characterized by delicate movements, subtle expressions, and soft gestures. It expresses emotions like love, devotion, and joy and is often performed in a more intimate and lyrical style.
Both Tandava and Lasya represent different aspects of the divine and are considered sacred forms of expression in Hindu mythology and classical Indian dance traditions. They embody the various moods and energies present in the universe and hold significant cultural and spiritual significance in Hinduism.
Here are some characteristics of Natraja.
1. Cosmic Dance: The Nataraja pose depicts Lord Shiva engaged in a dynamic and rhythmic dance known as the "cosmic dance." It symbolizes the continuous cycle of creation, preservation, and destruction in the universe.
2. Four Arms: Lord Shiva's Nataraja pose typically features four arms. The upper right arm holds a drum-like instrument called a damaru, representing the creation of sound and rhythm. The upper left arm carries Agni, the fire element, symbolizing destruction. The lower right arm is held in a gesture called "abhaya mudra," which signifies protection and fearlessness. The lower left arm points downward, indicating liberation from worldly attachments.
3. Ring of Fire: Surrounding Lord Shiva in the Nataraja pose is a ring of fire called the "prabha mandala." This ring symbolizes the cosmic energy and the eternal cycle of creation and dissolution.
4. Lifting Leg: Lord Shiva's lifted leg signifies his triumph over ignorance and attachment. It represents his ability to lift the devotees from the cycle of birth and death and lead them towards spiritual enlightenment.
5. Apasmara: At Lord Shiva's feet, there is often a dwarf-like figure called Apasmara, representing ignorance and illusion. Lord Shiva's right foot is shown stepping on this figure, symbolizing his triumph over ignorance and the destruction of illusion.
The Nataraja pose is a powerful and iconic representation of Lord Shiva's cosmic dance and embodies various philosophical concepts and symbolic meanings. It is a visual depiction of the eternal cycle of life, the cosmic forces that govern the universe, and the path towards spiritual liberation.
Conclusion:
The blog explores the various elements of Nataraja's dance, such as the cosmic drum, fire, and the celestial river of Ganga flowing through his hair. These symbolic elements depict the cosmic forces at play and signify the union of the physical and spiritual realms.
Furthermore, the blog delves into the profound meanings behind Lord Shiva's dance. It elucidates how Nataraja's dance signifies the liberation of the soul from the cycle of birth and death, inviting devotees to surrender to the cosmic rhythm and find inner peace. It is a reminder that everything in the universe is interconnected, and through dance, Lord Shiva imparts wisdom and enlightenment to his followers.
That's it for today, Thank you🙏❤
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