Elements of Hindu Iconography v2.c16.s7.40

v2.c16.s7.40

Then Ādi Śēsha worshipped Śiva, and prayed above all things for the boon, once more to behold this mystic dance; Śiva promised that he should behold the dance again in sacred Tillai, the centre of the Universe. The dance of Śiva in Chidambaram or Tillai forms the motif of the South Indian copper images of Śri Naṭarāja, the Lord of the Dance. These images vary amongst themselves in minor details, but all express one fundamental conception. Before proceeding to enquire what these may be, it will be necessary to describe the image of Śri Naṭarāja as typically represented. The images then, represent Śiva dancing, having four hands, with braided and jewelled hair of which the lower locks are whirling in the dance. In his hair may be seen a wreathing cobra, a skull, and the mermaid figure of Gaṅgā; upon it rests the crescent moon, and it is crowned with a wreath of cassia leaves. In His right ear He wears a man’s ear-ring, a woman’s in the left; He is adorned with necklaces and armlets, a jewelled belt, anklets, bracelets, finger and toe-rings. The chief part of His dress consists of