Description

This schist image depicts the Puranic deity Shiva in his form as Nataraja, or Lord of the Dance. In his form as Nataraja or Natesa, he is shown here dancing the Ananda Tandava (Dance of Bliss) upon his vahana Nandi, who is stood upon a lotus pedestal. In his ten hands, he is shown holding a sword, trident, drum, mace, noose, shield, spear and a circular object. Another hand is in abhayamudra, while the tenth is placed on his belly. Nataraja is shown wearing a crown of his matted locks (jatamukuta), earrings, necklaces (including one of skulls), armlets, wristlets, anklets, yajnopavita, as well as a waist girdle supporting his lower garments. Surrounding his central image, one also finds flying gandharvas at the top, along with other dancing deities and ganas on the sides and bottom, as well as a a drummer at the bottom. In the panel below the lotus pedestal, one finds a bearded figure, along with ganas. This form of Shiva, in the nrtyamurti, shows him at the confluence of creation, preservation and destruction. The artefact is in good condition, with much of the details surviving.