Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v2.c11.s1.t7.8

v2.c11.s1.t7.8

**Nataraja** Bharatanatyam is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology and customs, which can be documented in literature, temple sculpture and philosophy. Dance is considered to be from Siva. He is the god of destruction, and also the king of dance. Siva first imparts dance on his wife Parvati. When he dances the Tandava, the most masculine beauty in the world, she will do the Lasya, which is the most delicate and feminine of dances displaying cooperation. Hinduism believes that the universe operates in the constant creation, protection and destruction. Brahma takes charge of creation, Vishnu takes charge of protection, while Shiva is to destroy the world with dance. Destruction is also rebirth, and Siva's dance rhythm is the rhythm of the universe. Among the numerous models of Siva, the king of dance is unique. His right hand holds Dhamaru, symbolizing the creation of the universe. According to legend, the first object created by the universe is sound, and sound constantly creates new sound again. His left hand holds a ball of fire, symbolising the destruction of fallacy and the spread of truth. Both hands balance the creation and destruction, and support the operation of the universe. The right hand is put before his chest, with palms in the front, which symbolises fearlessness and blessing, the other hand hangs down forward slightly, pointing to the left foot lifted, which symbolises the shake-off of all bondage. His waist is tied with tiger skin, which symbolises destruction of anger and majesty, and such anger and majesty are changed into compassion and kindness under Siva's sincerity (Satvikam). He puts the poisonous snake as a beautiful garland on his chest. Dwarf is a symbol of folly, so Siva steps on it. His body is the cosmic space, his eyes are the sun and the moon, the third eye on the forehead is the fire of wisdom, his flying hair is a symbol of wisdom, the meniscus on the head represents the highest creativity, and his smile can help eliminate the torment of Karma. The 108 dancing postures of Siva are inscribed on the stone pillars in Chidambaram temple, and it's said that they are left by Siva when he descends to the world and dances in this temple.