TANJORE, SOUTH INDIA, LATE 19TH CENTURY

Shivanataraja, Shiva as Lord of the Dance, is considered as the creator of the universe and dances the world into existence. At the same time, he is also its destroyer. Much symbolism is attached to this specific form of Shiva. His drum stands for the creation of the world. His open palm protects human beings while his downward stretched hand symbolises the solace of the world. His other hand holds the fire standing for the dissolution of the world. The dwarf on whom he tramples represents ignorance and the large flaming aureole the cosmos. The skull visible in the hair of Shiva emphasizes his role as embodiment of Time and Death. The goddess Ganga represented in his hair fell from heaven to earth through his hair.

For a discussion on devotee's icons from Tanjore, see Barbara Rossi, From the Ocean of Painting, India's Popular Paintings, 1589 to the Present, Oxford, 1998, pp.82-89.