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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 appreciated in his form as the Lord of Dance, like the one under review. It was only during the Chola Dynasty that we see for the first time examples casted in bronze. Before than only stone figures were known. Today we find the Lord of 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 symbolic is attached to Sivanataraja. His drum stands for the creation of the world. His open palm protects human being 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 is trampling represents ignorance and the large flaming aureol the cosmos. In the hairdress of Siva is visible a skull which emphasizes his role as 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 can say that this form of Siva captures best the idea of Hinduism, through its form and symbolic. He stands here 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 symbolic is attached to Sivanataraja. His drum stands for the creation of the world. His open palm protects human being 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 is trampling represents ignorance and the large flaming aureol the cosmos. In the hairdress of Siva is visible a skull which emphasizes his role as 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 can say that this form of Siva captures best the idea of Hinduism, through its form and symbolic. He stands here for creation, sustenance and destruction of the cosmos. Even his emotionless face reflects the impersonality of the above mentioned process.