For many in the Western world, particularly in the US, encountering Hindu imagery of deities with multiple arms and heads can be a source of fascination and confusion. While there’s an intuitive understanding that these depictions are symbolic, the depth of meaning often remains elusive, sometimes leading to a simplistic view of Hinduism as just an “ancient” and somewhat “weird” culture.
This exploration delves into the symbolism of a particularly captivating Hindu deity, often referred to as the “Cosmic Dancer” – Nataraja. This deity, deeply revered and celebrated, especially in parts of India, embodies profound philosophical concepts that resonate even with modern scientific thought. Figures like Carl Sagan, Fritjof Capra, and Aldous Huxley have been drawn to the rich symbolism inherent in this representation, seeking parallels between ancient wisdom and contemporary understanding of the universe.
Nataraja: The Cosmic Dancer Explained
The essence of Nataraja, the Cosmic Dancer, lies in the dynamic dance itself. This is not merely a performance; it is the dance of life, encapsulating the continuous cycle of creation, preservation, and destruction that governs the entire cosmos. Beyond these fundamental forces, the dance also signifies spiritual grace, guiding individuals towards liberation and a deeper understanding of the self, beyond the limitations of ego.
Hindu philosophy posits that the ultimate goal of life transcends earthly heavens. It is the attainment of liberation (moksha), a profound realization of our true nature, distinct from the ego-driven persona we often identify with.
Dance, among all art forms, uniquely embodies this concept. Unlike paintings, sculptures, poetry, or music which can exist independently of the artist after creation, dance is inseparable from the dancer’s presence in the moment of performance. This inherent immanence of the artist in the art powerfully mirrors the Hindu understanding of God’s immanence in all of creation – the creator and creation are intrinsically linked.
The Ring of Fire: Symbol of Time and Cosmos
Nataraja’s dance unfolds within a prabha mandala, a ring of cosmic fire. This fiery halo represents time, the all-consuming force of destruction, depicted as a circle to symbolize the Hindu concept of cyclical, unending time.
Encapsulated within this cosmic ring, the form of Nataraja embodies five fundamental concepts, representing the totality of existence:
- Srishti (Creation, Evolution)
- Sthiti (Preservation, Support)
- Samhara (Destruction, Dissolution)
- Tirobhava (Illusion, Concealment)
- Anugraha (Grace, Liberation)
Srishti: The Drum of Creation
Nataraja’s upper right hand holds a damaru, a small hourglass-shaped drum. This drum symbolizes Srishti, the act of creation, and the primal sound from which the universe originates.
Hinduism proposes that creation begins with sound, with vibration. This concept remarkably aligns with modern quantum physics, where matter at its most fundamental level is understood to be in constant vibration. Fritjof Capra, in “The Tao of Physics,” drew parallels between this ancient wisdom and quantum theory:
“The Dance of Shiva symbolizes the basis of all existence… Modern physics has shown that the rhythm of creation and destruction is not only manifest in the turn of the seasons and in the birth and death of all living creatures, but is also the very essence of inorganic matter.”
“According to quantum field theory, the dance of creation and destruction is the basis of the very existence of matter… For the modern physicists then, Shiva’s dance is the dance of subatomic matter, the basis of all existence and of all natural phenomena.”
This profound connection between mythology, religion, and science is further acknowledged by the presence of a large Nataraja statue at CERN in Switzerland, the home of the Large Hadron Collider and a leading center for particle physics research.
Sthiti: The Gesture of Protection
Nataraja’s lower right hand is in abhaya mudra, the gesture of fearlessness and protection. This symbolizes Sthiti, the preservation and support of the cosmos, offering reassurance to devotees.
Samhara: The Flame of Destruction
In his upper left hand, Nataraja holds agni, a blazing flame. This represents Samhara, the power of destruction. The balanced depiction of both creation (damaru) and destruction (agni) in the dance pose signifies the inherent equilibrium in the universe.
Another subtle aspect of balance is represented by Nataraja’s earrings. He wears different earrings in each ear. The right ear adorns a crocodile-shaped earring, typically worn by men, while the left ear features a circular earring traditionally worn by women. This symbolizes the divine encompassing male, female, both, and neither – reflecting the multifaceted nature of the divine in Hinduism.
Tirobhava: Overcoming Illusion
Nataraja’s right foot rests upon a dwarf, personifying apasmara, representing human ego, ignorance, and spiritual illusion. This act of suppression is Tirobhava, the veiling of reality from our understanding. The serpent coiled around Nataraja’s neck embodies both negative tendencies and the potential for inner energy, the kundalini shakti, familiar in yogic traditions.
Anugraha: Grace and Liberation
Anugraha, grace and emancipation, is conveyed through the lower left hand, pointing towards the raised left foot. This gesture guides towards moksha, liberation, achieved through surrender to the divine. The uplifted left leg itself symbolizes grace, freeing the soul from worldly bonds. The Hindu tradition of touching elders’ feet as a sign of respect echoes the reverence for the holy feet of God.
Conclusion
The image of Nataraja, the Cosmic Dancer, is far more than a mere representation of a deity. It is a profound visual metaphor encapsulating the cyclical nature of the universe, the delicate balance of creation and destruction, and the path to spiritual liberation. Understanding the symbolism embedded within Nataraja offers a glimpse into the depth and complexity of Hindu philosophy, revealing its enduring relevance and resonance with both ancient wisdom and modern scientific thought.
