Significance of Nataraja Flashcards
What does the Ganga symbolise
Life giving water
What does the Nataraja pose capture Lord Siva as?
As the cosmic dancer, a deity who performs a dance that represents the cosmic cycle of creation and destruction.
What dance does Nataraja perform
Ananda Tandava “dance of bliss”
What is the cosmic circle that encircles Nataraja termed as?
1) Jwaala
2) Maala
3) Prabha
4) Mandala
What does the term jwaala mean
Tongues of flames
What does the term maala mean
Garland of flowers
What does the term prabha mean
Glowing
What does the term mandala mean
Nimbus, a luminous cloud that surrounds a supernatural.
What does the raised leg symbolize
Liberation and superiority
What does the leg on the dwarf symbolize
Shiva’s connection to the world
What does the dwarf symoblise
Known as Apasmara, it represent ignorance. By subduing this, Nataraja symbolizes the defeat of ignorance and ego.
What does the Abhaya mudra held by Nataraja represent
A raised hand symbolising protection and blessing
What do his three eyes represent
The sun, moon and the directions
What does the damaru represent
The rhythm in life
What does the crescent moon symbolise
The height of knowledge and intellect
