Nataraja, the cosmic dancer and an iconic representation of Lord Shiva, is revered worldwide for its profound symbolism and artistic grandeur. While much is known about Nataraja's significance, there remain lesser-known stories and intriguing facts that continue to captivate devotees and historians alike.

The unique statue of Nataraja in Madurai’s Meenakshi Temple

The Meenakshi Temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, houses a unique idol of Nataraja in its renowned Thousand Pillar Hall. Unlike the traditional depictions of Nataraja, where his left foot is raised and the right foot is grounded, the idol here showcases a reversed stance; the right foot is raised while the left foot is balanced on the ground.

This unusual posture has its roots in the ThiruviLaiyaadal Puraanam, a collection of divine exploits of Lord Shiva. According to legend, a Pandya king, overcome with grief, prayed fervently to Nataraja, lamenting that the Lord had been standing on his right leg for eons. Touched by the king’s devotion, Nataraja appeared and granted his wish by shifting his stance, raising his right leg and grounding his left. This divine act is commemorated as the Kaal Maari Aadiya Patalam, one of the 64 divine plays of Shiva described in the text.








Every element of Nataraja's form is steeped in symbolism, reflecting cosmic truths and spiritual insights:

- The Halo of Fire: The flaming arch surrounding Nataraja signifies the cosmic cycle of creation, preservation, and destruction. The outer fire represents the universe’s pain and illusions, while the inner edge symbolizes the ocean’s calming waters.
- The Crescent Moon: Nestled on his head, it represents the union of the individual soul with ultimate reality and is associated with Kama, the god of love.
- The Serpent Around the Waist: The serpent symbolizes the transmigration of the soul, much like a snake shedding its skin, signifying rebirth and renewal.
- The River Ganga: Represented in his hair strands, it symbolizes Lord Shiva's ability to calm turbulent forces, akin to taming the Ganga's celestial flow.

Nataraja’s Hands…

- The Flame (Left Hand): Represents destruction and the dissolution of illusions, paving the way for new beginnings.
- The Damaru (Right Hand): The drum signifies the sound of creation and the primordial vibration “Om.”
- The Abhaya Mudra (Right Anterior Hand): A gesture of protection, symbolizing fearlessness and divine reassurance.
- The Graceful Gesture (Left Anterior Hand): Pointing to the raised foot, it represents salvation and the revealing grace of creation.

Beneath Nataraja’s raised foot lies Apasmara, the dwarf demon symbolizing ignorance and ego. By crushing Apasmara, Nataraja demonstrates the triumph of knowledge and enlightenment over negativity and arrogance.

The Nataraja statue, particularly its variations like the one in Madurai, continues to mesmerize art enthusiasts, spiritual seekers, and historians. It stands not only as an artistic masterpiece but also as a profound representation of the cosmic dance of life, death, and rebirth.

Source / Image Credit : Wikipedia, navrangindia