Sloka 15 from Dancing with Siva

What Is the Symbolism of Siva's Dance?

The symbolism of Siva Nataraja is religion, art and science merged as one. In God's endless dance of creation, preservation, destruction and paired graces is hidden a deep understanding of our universe. Aum
Namah Sivaya.

Bhashya

Nataraja, the King of Dance, has four arms. The upper right hand holds the drum from which creation issues forth. The lower right hand
is raised in blessing, betokening preservation. The upper left hand holds a flame, which is destruction, the dissolution of form. The right leg, representing obscuring grace, stands upon Apasmarapurusha, a soul temporarily earth-bound by its own sloth, confusion and forgetfulness. The uplifted left leg is revealing grace, which releases the mature soul from bondage. The lower left hand gestures toward that holy foot in assurance that Siva's grace is the refuge for everyone, the way to liberation. The circle of fire represents the cosmos and especially consciousness. The all-devouring form looming above is Mahakala, "Great Time." The cobra around Nataraja's waist is kundalini shakti, the soul-impelling cosmic power resident within all. Nataraja's dance is not just a symbol. It is taking place within each of us, at the atomic level, this very moment. The Agamas proclaim, "The birth of the world, its maintenance, its destruction, the soul's obscuration and liberation are the five acts of His dance." Aum Namah Sivaya.

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The Master Course of Himalayan Academy by Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami www.gurudeva.org

Nataraj, dancing Shiva

4" tall - $9.00

A smaller version of Natraj, perfect for small altars. 4 inches tall and finished in antiqued brass. This image is steeped in symbolism. The ring of fire represents the continual motion of the universe through creation, preservation and destruction. He is seen dancing on the back of a demon which represents ignorance and ego, only after destroying these aspect can one reach enlightenment. In one hand he holds the rattle drum which signifies creative activity, while in another he hold fire the symbol of destruction. The cobra around his neck symbolizes cosmic energy while the third eye in the center of the forehead is the seat of wisdom. It is said that Shiva opens his third eye to destroy evil. This cosmic dance represents Shiva as the moving force of the universe.

8" tall - $30.00