Nataraja Symbolism: Cosmic Dancer

Specific Symbols of Nataraja

Nataraja has multiple arms (usually four), each holding symbolic objects. In this form, Shiva represents all three states of life: creation, preservation and destruction. In other forms, Shiva may depict only his primary role, which is destruction. As Nataraja, he symbolizes the constant motion or dance of life all the way down to subatomic particles.

Ring of Fire: Nataraja dances within a ring of fire, symbolizing the circular nature of time. The ring of fire is called the prahbha mandala.

Drum (Upper Right Hand): His upper right hand holds a drum (damaru) that makes the fundamental sound of creation. The drum has an hourglass shape. The sounds that are created are called Shrishti (creation, evolution). As stated in the Shiva Purana, “From the damaru emerged the primal sound Om, which gave rise to the Vedas and the world itself” (Shiva Purana, Rudra Samhita, Chapter 2).

Fearlessness Mudra (Lower Right Hand): Nataraja’s lower right hand is in the fearlessness mudra or gesture (abhaya mudra). This is the energy of Sthiti (support, preservation). The gesture also represents protection.

Demon Under Right Foot: Nataraja’s right foot stands on a smaller being representing the human ego and ignorance. This is the energy of Tirobhava (illusion, veiling). Nataraja’s stance indicates that he is the master of understanding and has put down all forms of illusion. The suppression of the demon under Nataraja’s foot reflects the need to overcome ignorance (avidya) to achieve self-realization (atma-jnana). As the Tirumantiram scripture, declares: “His foot, the refuge of the pure-hearted, crushes ignorance with every beat.” (Verse 2750)

Uplifted Left Foot: Nataraja’s uplifted left leg symbolizes grace and liberation. His upper left hand holds a blazing flame.

Agni or Fire (Upper Left Hand): In his upper left hand, Nataraja holds agni (fire), which signifies destruction. This is not annihilation but transformative destruction, as emphasized in the Linga Purana: “Fire purifies all that it consumes, and through destruction, new birth becomes possible” (Linga Purana, Chapter 49).

Pointing Finger (Lower Left Hand): His lower left hand points to the upraised left foot, indicating the path of freedom. This is the energy of Anugraha (grace, emancipation). Nataraja gestures across his body toward his raised foot, guiding devotees to refuge and spiritual upliftment.

Serpent Around His Neck: The serpent often shown around Nataraja’s neck (and in most depictions of Shiva’s other various forms) symbolizes the kundalini or shakti energy. This is the energy at the base of the spine that rises to crown when enlightenment is reached.

Nataraja’s Earrings: Nataraja’s earrings indicate that the Divine can be expressed as feminine, masculine, a combination of both or neither. In some depictions, he wears two different earrings. On the right side, he may wear a crocodile earring, tradition for men. On the other side, Shiva may wear a circular earring typical of women.

Hair and Ganga River: Shiva’s hair spreads outward, suggesting his dynamic energy. The Ganga River, descending from the heavens, is nestled in his locks, based on the story from the Skanda Purana (Kedara Khanda) where Shiva absorbs the river’s force to save the earth.