Shiva Nataraja
Shiva Nataraja (“Shiva as Lord of the
Dance”), an easily recognized image in Hindu iconography,
is a manifestation of Shiva in his role as creator, protector and
destroyer of worlds. These exquisite bronze sculptures first appeared
in the early years of the Chola dynasty, which ruled over parts of
southern India from the mid-ninth to the late thirteenth centuries.
Hindus do not worship these and other statues as “idols.”
They believe that in the right time, place and circumstances the god
makes his presence felt through these ritual objects in a process known
as “receiving darshan.” At other times these sculptures
are merely inanimate objects.
This example, from the twelfth century, is in the National Museum in
Delhi.
Photo taken: January 17, 2008
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