Madhubani paintings have created a niche for themselves in the Indian folk art tradition. Mainly dominated and shaped by the religious motif, the relation between Madhubani art and religion is a universal feature.

Shiva holds a prominent place in their artistic imagery. They understand that he has a complex personality, multiple forms and a paradoxical character. If he is sometimes depicted as a meditating ascetic, he is also shown as a destroyer. His dance is sometimes destructive as seen in the annihilation of Andhaka, and sometimes he performs the dance of bliss as the Nataraja.

The blue-bodied Shiva is seen dancing in a tribhanga (thrice-bent) posture. Snakes decorate his body, putting all other ornaments to shame. He dances to the beat of his damaru. His long, disheveled hair is flying in all directions; the long bead strings are being thrown away from the body – both denoting swift and vigorous movements. Shiva’s two normal eyes and the third eye in the middle of his forehead express his anger, even as a calm Ganga peeps out from his jata-mukuta. Trishula (trident), Shiva’s weapon, and Nandi, the bull who is his vehicle are painted on the side to depict their association with the dancing God.

This description by Renu Rana.

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