The Nataraja
This image here is widely known by Hindus and people interested in religious art as the Nataraja. It comes from Hinduism and is representative of the god, Siva. Nataraja means "lord of the dance". Not only is the Nataraja a work of art, it is also an idol that many Hindu people worship to show their devotion to the god Siva. This image in particular represents both Siva's destructive nature and creative nature as. The circle that engulfs the dancing Siva is representative of the cycle of life that begins and ends at his discretion, the cycle of birth and death. At the end of each cycle of creation Siva dissolves the universe, burning it to ashes through the fire of destruction in his lower left hand, and at the beginning of each new cycle he creates the universe anew, sending forth the primordial rhythms of creation with the drum in his upper right hand. This image is highly admired by millions of people around the world.
I think this is a really beautiful work of art that is simultaneously very meaningful to devotees of the god Siva. The Nataraja symbolizes in art form the characteristics of the god and allows devotees to see what they believe in image form. Superficially, I think the bronze color is aesthetically pleasing and just pleasant to look at.
12 comments:
Wow, what an amazing piece of work. I definitely like the bronze color. I feel it expresses a sense of tranquility and vibrance at the same time. The pose that the God is making makes me want to get up and dance as well, it is a very moving piece for an immobile icon. Do you know if this is one of the main Hindu Gods?
Thanks
Hi Zane,
I agree, this is quite a moving piece for an immobile icon. Yes, Siva, who is the god in this image, is definitely one of the main Hindu deities. Siva is worshiped widely by Hindus across the globe. Nataraja is the name of the image, it portrays his creative and destructive qualities in this dance he is doing.
Thanks for your comment! I hope this answers any questions you might have had :)
I think the color means the most.
I'm amazed at the precise detail this artwork had on each of the God's arms and the totally balanced position Shiva is in. It would have taken immense effort to mold each arm, leg, and facial features in that exact position. Great insight!
Could anyone tell me why she is standing on a child? Does it mean something?
This piece seems to be a well known symbol in the Indian culture. The name I think the name means dance or king? Great article to share. Thanks
Robert Kierna Art 3 Summer 2010
Indian religious sculptures are very interesting to study. What I find particularly interesting is that, although there is thousands of Hindu gods, people are still able to distinguish the different sculptural representations. This is due to the fact that each goddess or god is depicted with a specific number or arms.
I can't agree more with anyone else...This art is ispiration to a very loved god Siva. How their creativness comes out and explains his whole story. What this creation say's to everyone,allows everyone to be in amazment.
At the Hedonism III hotel (completely nude) in Jamaica they have a symbolic statue similar to Siva but its not worship it just for representing hotel's theme of love and pure pleasure (like Tantra sex).
Nathernell Nelson
I has always been seeing this piece of art work but never knew of its name or origin. This one has always been a bit creepy to me with the whole extra body parts and what not.
((Macass Dodson))
Garrett,
The 'child' is Apasmarapurusha, the demon of ignorant forgetfulness.
Carlos,
Siva is often displayed with 4+ arms just depending on what the artist is trying to convey. In this piece Siva is the Nataraja; the King of Dance; the unmoved mover. This is identified by the Drum of creation, Fire of destruction, the open palm of reassurance, and the hand pointing to the dancing foot symbolizing release.
I have not learned about his faith until now. I love learning about art and faith...perfect combo you created...thank you. The circle of life...in the deity's hands...that is interestingly awesome to read. A lot of religions are like that, the God or deity is in control of our lives, it is all up to them. But this is their idol that they worship or appreciate...to remind them. I learned a lot from your post...thank you so much. - Jessica C.
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