Shiva Nataraja

Mini intro

Date: 11th century Chola period

Size: 68.3 × 56.5 cm

Material: copper alloy

Key facts (6)

‘Nataraja’ means lord of the dance

Typically held in procession

Shiva is part of the Hindu holy trinity with Brahma and Vishnu

Shiva known as the Destroyer

Bronze statues became popular in Chola period as empire took parts of Sri Lanka, which is rich in copper reserves

Hindus believe that Shiva comes down into the statue when they pray to it

Subject matter (4)

Shiva’s body proportions are ideal according to Shilpa Shastras - bamboo-like long limbs, long hair of the yogi and almond-shaped eyes - divinity shown in physical perfection

Broad shoulders and narrow waist

Four arms, more than human - supernatural

Ring of fire surrounds Shiva along with damaru that puts Shiva above mortal plane of death and creation

Pose and facial expression (8)

Lower right hand in ‘abhaya mudra’ - allays fear

Lower left hand stretches diagonally across chest towards foot

Upper left hand holds ‘Agni’ - Sanskrit for fire, highlights Shiva’s role as Destroyer and reminds humans of our natural end as mortals

Upper right hand holds ‘damaru’, drum that syncopates beat of life

stands on apasmara parusha, demon of illusion that leads mankind away

Calm expression

Raised foot indicates benevolence

Dance (anandatadava) promotes evolution and cosmic cycles of creation and destruction