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Lot Essay
Saivism remained popular in South India until present day. Its principle god, Siva, is worshipped in many forms. He became most aprreciated in his form as the Lord of the Dance, like the one under review. It was only during the Chola dynasty that one sees for the first time examples cast in bronze. Today we find the Lord of the Dance in all South Indian temples as he represents many qualities.
In this form he is known as the Creator of the Universe and dances the world into existence, but at the same time he is also its destructor. Much symbolism is attached to Sivanataraja. His drum stands for the creation of this world. His open hand palm protects human beings while his stretched downward hand symbolizes the solace of the world. His other hand holds the fire symbolizing the dissolving of the world. The dwarf on which he tramples represents ignorance and the large flaming aureol the cosmos. In the hairdress of Siva a skull is visible which emphasizes his role as the embodiment of Time and Death. Also present in his hairdress is the goddess Ganga who fell from heaven to earth through his hair.
Altogether one may say that this form of Siva captures best the idea of Hinduism, through its form and symbolism. Here he stands for creation, sustenance and destruction of the cosmos. Even his emotionless face reflects the impersonality of the above mentioned process.
In this form he is known as the Creator of the Universe and dances the world into existence, but at the same time he is also its destructor. Much symbolism is attached to Sivanataraja. His drum stands for the creation of this world. His open hand palm protects human beings while his stretched downward hand symbolizes the solace of the world. His other hand holds the fire symbolizing the dissolving of the world. The dwarf on which he tramples represents ignorance and the large flaming aureol the cosmos. In the hairdress of Siva a skull is visible which emphasizes his role as the embodiment of Time and Death. Also present in his hairdress is the goddess Ganga who fell from heaven to earth through his hair.
Altogether one may say that this form of Siva captures best the idea of Hinduism, through its form and symbolism. Here he stands for creation, sustenance and destruction of the cosmos. Even his emotionless face reflects the impersonality of the above mentioned process.