Bharatanatyam, one of India’s oldest classical dance forms, is deeply rooted in spirituality, storytelling, and intricate symbolism. One of the most revered icons in Bharatanatyam is Nataraja, the cosmic dancer form of Lord Shiva. Nataraja’s pose, rich in symbolism, goes beyond physical movement; it’s a portrayal of profound spiritual concepts like creation, preservation, and destruction.
For dancers, musicians, and spiritual enthusiasts, understanding the Nataraja pose adds a deeper layer to appreciating Bharatanatyam. This article explores the beauty, meaning, and importance of the Nataraja pose in Bharatanatyam dance.
What is the Nataraja Pose?
In Bharatanatyam, the Nataraja pose captures Lord Shiva as the cosmic dancer, a deity who performs a dance that represents the cosmic cycles of creation and destruction. The pose is an iconic representation of Shiva as the Lord of Dance and is one of the most recognized and revered images in Indian art.
The Origin of Nataraja in Hindu Mythology
The origin of the Nataraja pose in Hindu mythology is deeply rooted in the stories of Lord Shiva, one of the most revered deities in the Hindu pantheon. According to ancient texts, Shiva’s cosmic dance is a symbol of the universe’s eternal cycles—creation, preservation, and destruction.
The Nataraja form depicts Shiva in his role as the Lord of Dance, performing his divine dance known as the Ananda Tandava, or the “dance of bliss.”
The sages of India have demonstrated that the origin, movement and disappearance of the world take place in the Ananda Dhanatva of Nataraja Murthy. Rajaji Thirumoolar says in the book Thavavozhi that knowledge is to know that koothu. It is the teaching of Kamakoti Acharya Swami that the dance of Nataraja can be seen only by those who have Jnanetra.
Sadashiva is the creator, preserver, destroyer, preserver and destroyer. Lord Shiva is the originator of all the five Panchakrutis. The true form of the mortal is to possess all the five occupations and to stand beyond them. Therefore, the image representing His Trinity should stand beyond the five occupations. Ananda Natarajan’s Thiruvuruvam shows the five arts and also suggests the nature of the enlightened realm of knowledge (chitakasam).
Therefore, the image of Nataraja is superior to all other forms. (Swami Vipulananda Ramakrishna Math)
Tamarukam (udukkai) bearing Thirukkaram making industry and Abhaya Thirukkaram preservation industry. Agni-yendiya refers to the business of destroying the drum, Sthitha-undiya refers to the business of concealing the tirupa and ludicrous refers to the business of blessing.
தோற்றம் துடியதனில் தோயும் திதி அமைப்பில்
சாற்றியிடும் அங்கையில் சங்காரம்- ஊற்றமா
ஊன்று மலர்ப்பதத்தில் உற்ற திரோத முத்தி
நான்ற மலர்ப்பதத்தே நாடு
அரந்துடி தோற்றம் அமைத்தல் திதியாம்
அரன் அங்கிதன்னில் அறையின் சங்காரம்
அரன் உற்று அணைப்பில் அமரும் திரோதாயி
அரன் அடி என்றும் அனுக்கிரம் என்னே
Symbolism in the Nataraja Pose
The Nataraja pose is laden with layers of symbolism. From the flames surrounding Shiva to his foot resting on a dwarf, each element has a specific meaning:
- Creation: The dance signifies the rhythm of creation, life, and growth.
- Destruction: The dance also represents destruction, symbolizing the cycles of death and rebirth.
Each part of the pose has spiritual meaning, merging the physical with the metaphysical.
In 2004 a 2 mter tall statue of Lord Nataraja was unveiled at CERN, the European Center for Research in Particle Physics in Geneva ( where presence of God’s particle was demonstrated)
In choosing the image of Shiva Nataraja, the Indian government acknowledged the profound significance of the metaphor of Shiva’s dance for the cosmic dance of subatomic particles, which is observed and analyzed by CERN’s physicists. The parallel between Shiva’s dance and the dance of subatomic particles was first discussed by Fritjof Capra in an article titled “The Dance of Shiva: The Hindu View of Matter in the Light of Modern Physics,” published in Main Currents in Modern Thought in 1972.
Shiva’s cosmic dance then became a central metaphor in Capra’s international bestseller The Tao of Physics, first published in 1975 and still in print in over 40 editions around the world.
A special plaque next to the Shiva statue at CERN in Geneva explains the significance of the metaphor of Shiva’s cosmic dance with several quotations from The Tao of Physics. Here is a quotation from Fritjof Capra that has been put in that special plaque.
‘ More quotes from Fritjof Capra, in his The Tao of Physics, relating the Nataraj’s dance with modern physics: “every subatomic particle not only performs an energy dance, but also is an energy dance; a pulsating process of creation and destruction…without end…For the modern physicists then, Shiva’s dance is the dance of subatomic matter.
As in Hindu mythology, it is a continual dance of creation and destruction involving the whole cosmos; the basis of all existence and of all natural phenomena.”
The Physical Form and Structure
The Nataraja pose has a specific structure:
- One leg lifted in a dancing posture.
- The other leg firmly placed on the ground or on the figure of a dwarf.
- Hands positioned in different mudras.
The pose requires balance, flexibility, and grace, skills that Bharatanatyam dancers cultivate over years and years of practice.
The Circle of Flames (Prabhamandala)
In the Nataraja icon, Shiva dances within a ring of flames, called the Prabhamandala. This symbolises the endless cycle of time, energy, and cosmic power. Each flame represents different aspects of life and destruction. Bharatanatyam dancers embody this by expressing the eternal energy of life.
The Raised Leg and Dance Posture
The raised leg in the Nataraja pose symbolises liberation and transcendence, while the leg that remains grounded shows Shiva’s connection to the world. Dancers in Bharatanatyam use this posture to express movement and stillness, aiming to portray the union of body and spirit.
The Dwarf (Apasmara) under Nataraja’s Feet
Nataraja’s right foot crushes Apasmara, a dwarf figure representing ignorance. By subduing this dwarf, Nataraja symbolises the defeat of ignorance and ego. In Bharatanatyam, this idea is portrayed through grace and strength, as dancers attempt to embody the triumph of wisdom.
Hand Gestures (Mudras) and Their Meanings
Nataraja’s hand gestures are rich in meaning:
- Abhaya Mudra: A raised hand symbolising protection and blessing.
- Damaru: In another hand, Nataraja holds a drum, symbolising creation and the sound of the universe.
Through these gestures, Bharatanatyam dancers convey divine messages, connecting audiences to the mythology of the dance.
Finding Balance in Dance and Life
Just as Nataraja balances his form, Bharatanatyam teaches dancers to find balance in their movements and in life. The Nataraja pose encourages dancers to stay grounded, face challenges with grace, and remain flexible in both body and mind.
Conclusion: Embracing the Nataraja Spirit
The Nataraja pose is a beautiful blend of art, mythology, and spiritual philosophy. For dancers, it’s a reminder of the deeper purpose of Bharatanatyam – not just as a dance but as a path to understanding and expressing life’s cycles. By practising this pose, dancers connect with an ancient tradition that continues to inspire and uplift.