Top Five Most Important Elements of the Nataraja Idol
In Hindu Mythology, Lord Shiva has been mentioned in various forms since the oldest period in 600 BCE. The Majesties cosmic dance, which represents the Universe’s motion, depicts Lord Shiva as the Lord of the dance Bharatanatyam and is characterised by an idol called Nataraja. Nataraja idol is a combined image of Shiva as a Creator, Preserver and Destroyer of the Universe. The origin of Nataraja goes back to thousands of years ago, where Lord Shiva is depicted as the source of all movements within the cosmos.
It glorifies Lord Shiva’s grandeur cosmic dance performance called ‘Aananda Thaandavam’, which was witnessed by Seshan, who got to our planet in the form of Patanjali after being blessed by Lord Vishnu. This Ananda Tandava posture of Lord Shiva, recognised around the world, has many significance. For example; The demon under Nataraja’s feet signifies ignorance to be removed, the Fire in this hand signifies the destroyer of evil & the raised hand signifies His being the saviour of all lives. Interestingly, the Ring at the back signifies the cosmos and The drum in his hand signifies the origin of Life. Hence, Lord Shiva is here seen as creating and destroying existence, offering the way to get through the constant chaos & ignorance.
There are five elements out of which the Universe is formed. Similarly, the Nataraja idol signifies the five Elements. The same are:
1) F I R E:
The Nataraja Idol has a flame in his left upper hand, representing the Element Fire. It means the destruction of all types of evils. Fire holds an important place in the Universe. This Fire, on being subjected to any biological body, transforms it into ashes. It converts seawater to clouds, which then gives rain to the world through ‘Pancha Agni Vidya’. According to legends, when humans, during the process of any religious ceremonies, offer ghee, milk, water, curd etc., for the Gods, the same is accepted and then on mixing with rain clouds showers rain on Earth, which ultimately yields food. This food is then consumed by the living beings, which get energy from the same. Hence, the cycle of birth and death is continuously followed. Therefore, the eternal Fire keeps on burning from birth to death, causes the 5 fire Process, thereby keeping the entire Universe on its wheel.
2) A I R:
The damaru in the upper right hand of Nataraja represents the Element Air. It is a double-sided drumming instrument that gives out a deep and pleasant rhythmic sound on playing. Old Hindu legendary stories state that Nataraja played this instrument damru fourteen times. As a result of its roaring sound, lightning thunders were created in the sky, creating the Universe. Thus the Damaru is the symbol for the entire creation. It was perhaps the sounds of this damaru that the first letter of Sanskrit was obtained. Even the Vedas emerged from the sound of Damaru, which symbolises rhythm and time.
3) E A R T H:
The next Element of Nataraja Statue is Earth. The same is represented by the dwarf on which Lord Shiva danced. The Nataraja idol has Lord shiva with its firm foot on the ground, and beneath it is a dying dwarf demon representing evil, ignorance, diseases, death etc. It is pertinent to note that the devil under the foot is not dead but just suppressed. Hence, one is sure to witness these difficult moments of Life. Another version says that Nataraja’s raised left foot is for the seekers for a salutation to obtain knowledge which shall help you get moksha.
4) WA T E R:
Another element of Nataraja’s idol is water. The goddess Ganga, in his matted hair, from which flows the sacred river the Ganges, represents the Element Water. Ganga is shown as being locked in Nataraja’s head. Its free-flow gives Life to pasture lands. Ganga in the hair locks of Nataraja represents Riddhi i.e. growing wealth. Thus River Ganga is an ever-increasing phenomenon of abundant wealth and material prosperity. In its present form, Ganga flows all over the country and enriches natural resources.
5) E T H E R:
The fifth Element is Akasha or Ether, invisible to us. The Nataraja idol is represented by the space between Lord Shiva’s stable leg and his lifted foot. Lord Shiva performed the famous cosmic dance ‘Anand Tandava’ in the Hall of Consciousness, at the exact centre of the Chidambaram Temple in Tamil Nadu.
It is often believed that all the elements remain in sync throughout their entire life cycle which creates a powerful nexus of karma.. Hence, the five elements of Nataraja Idol represent the various dances of Lord Shiva for keeping the Karmic Cycle in place, clearly highlighting the importance of each of them.
About Author:
This is Nitin Jain, He is a statue expert. StatueStudio offers a wide collection of Nataraja statues, and idols in all sizes for decor and gifting. More details are here: https://www.statuestudio.com/hindu-gods/nataraja
