Shiva Nataraja, Lord of the Dance, bronze, Vijayanagar, 1450-1500. Encircled by flames, Shiva as Cosmic Dancer dances the universe into being, sustains it with his rhythm and dances it back into annihilation. He holds a hand drum and a flame in his upper hands. His lower hands make the fear-dispelling gesture and point to his raised foot, the worship of which leads to salvation. His other foot bears down on the dwarf Apasmara who represents Maya or illusion.
Shiva Nataraja, Lord of the Dance, bronze, Vijayanagar, 1450-1500. Encircled by flames, Shiva as Cosmic Dancer dances the universe into being, sustains it with his rhythm and dances it back into annihilation. He holds a hand drum and a flame in his upper hands. His lower hands make the fear-dispelling gesture and point to his raised foot, the worship of which leads to salvation. His other foot bears down on the dwarf Apasmara who represents Maya or illusion.