- Artists name: N/A
- Date: Chola period, 880-1279
- Origin: India
- Material: Copper alloy
- Size: 26 ⅞ inches tall by 22 ¼ inches in diameter
- Current Location: The Met New York
- Description: Lord Shiva is a principal deity of Hinduism, Hindu religious iconography and mythology describe him as the controller of time and the co-generator of the universe. “Shiva’s roles are as follows creator, preserver, and destroyer of the universe and conveys the Indian conception of the never-ending cycle of time.” (Shiva as Lord of Dance (Nataraja). Metmuseum.org. (n.d.). Retrieved April 25, 2022, from https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/39328#:~:text=Shiva%20as%20Lord%20of%20Dance%20(Nataraja)%20ca.&text=As%20a%20symbol%2C%20Shiva%20Nataraja,never%2Dending%20cycle%20of%20time.) Shiva is in the “Bhujangatrasita karana” pose which means “frightened by the snake” with his left leg held across his body, and every element contains a deep meaning that justifies his roles. Shiva’s “rudra tandava” dance is set within a “agni” (fire) halo. He holds in his upper right hand the hourglass shaped drum, “damaru”(sounds from which the universe is created). He makes “abhayamudra” (the gesture that allays fear) with his lower right hand. “His upper left hand holds agni (the fire that will destroy the universe).” (Shiva as Lord of Dance (Nataraja). Metmuseum.org. (n.d.). Retrieved April 25, 2022, from https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/39328#:~:text=Shiva%20as%20Lord%20of%20Dance%20(Nataraja)%20ca.&text=As%20a%20symbol%2C%20Shiva%20Nataraja,never%2Dending%20cycle%20of%20time.The animal like creature being stomped by his right foot represents “apasmara purusha” (illusion, which leads mankind astray). Shiva’s front open left palm, pointing to his raised left foot, indicates he’s the veil of ignornace. The symbols imply that his devotees can achieve salvation through their belief in lord Shiva.