Nataraja, the cosmic dancer form of Shiva, symbolizes the eternal cycles of creation, preservation, and destruction. Each element of the statue from the fire ring to the demon under his foot carries deep spiritual meaning. Keeping a Nataraja statue at home is considered auspicious when placed respectfully, especially in the east or northeast direction. It invites cosmic energy, creativity, and spiritual balance into the space.
Dancing Shiva or Nataraja is one of the most classic and popular icons of Indian culture. From the pages of museum guides to books on art, history, and culture, the image of Nataraja is synonymous with India. And why not? The dynamic stillness, the perfection in each carving, and the feeling of witnessing Shiva moving in the cosmos- everything about Nataraja represents divinity.
But then many of us ask- can such a powerful form be placed in your home? In this blog, we answer this question through the symbolism and meaning of Nataraja murti, to discover whether you should keep the dancing Shiva statue at home.
Yes, Nataraja and Shiva are the same. Nataraja is a form of Shiva as the cosmic dancer. The dance of Shiva presents creation, preservation, and destruction- srishti, sthiti, and laya, that are always under the control of Mahadeva, the supreme Lord.
When we look at the Nataraja statue, the graceful stance of Shiva catches our attention in a second, and then the mind goes to the vast circle of fire. Soon, we understand that every element and placement of symbols in the Nataraja sculpture has deep meanings.
☛ Circle of Fire (Prabha Mandala): The aura around Shiva represents the unending cycle of creation and destruction, the cosmic activity at whose centre is Shiva.
☛ The Drum (Damaru): The Damru symbolises the primal sound- Param Brahman, which is identified as Om- the beginning of all creation.
☛ The Fire: The flames in Nataraja’s hand are a symbol of the end, annihilation. The wiping away of the world so that new cycles of creation can start.
☛ The Lower Right Hand (Abhaya Mudra): A gesture of protection and reassurance for anyone who approaches him with devotion.
☛ The Lower Left Hand pointing to the lifted foot: Guides devotees to liberation and grace.
All these elements of cosmic importance come together in the Nataraja, making it a Mandala in metal, an image that is the essence of life, death, and all that is beyond them.
Under the foot of dancing Shiva, rooted on the lotus platform in a bronze Nataraja statue, there is a dwarf, a demonic figure, called Apsamara or Muyalaka. The demon usually holds a sword in its hand, has an expression of surrender. This figure represents ignorance and ego that do not allow one to experience the supreme truth. By crushing it under his foot, while he engages in creation and destruction, Shiva tells the devotee to look at life and death without the veil of ignorance.
A point worth noting is that Apsamara, or ignorance, is immortal according to traditions. This means that darkness and the absence of knowledge can never be truly removed. It can be won over, suppressed, or controlled through divine knowledge, represented by Shiva.
Yes, it is considered auspicious to keep a Nataraja statue at home. One should be careful while placing a sculpture, ensuring that it is kept in a clean space and maintained with respect. If you have a large Nataraja statue, it can become a centre piece in your hall. For a small brass Nataraja, tables and book racks are a good placement option.
☛ Direction & Placement: According to Vaastu, the Nataraja statue should be placed in the east or northeast direction in your home, facing the interior. It should not be placed in the bedroom and should be kept in a clean space.
☛ Size: For home use, a medium-sized bronze Nataraja statue is the best option. For halls, schools, or offices, larger sculptures can be considered.
Purpose: If you are a dancer, artist, or spiritually inclined person, Nataraja idols are a great addition to your saadhna space. The presence of dancing Shiva instills energy and wisdom in the space, reminding you to overcome the negativity within and inspiring you toward excellence.
If you are looking to buy a statue of Nataraja Shiva for your home, here are a few idols that will help you get started-
A portable Nataraja murti, this brass statue is perfect for gifting or placing in your home altar or table. The classic iconography captured with simplicity in metal makes this a timeless idol that will remain in your space for a long time.
Experience the brilliance of the divine dancer in this brass statue of Nataraja, covered with a golden patina, enhancing the royal aura of Shiva.
An antique bronze, this Nataraja idol is perfect for lovers of heritage art. The serene expressions of Shiva are visible even with the ancient sculpting style, which adds a touch of history to this icon, ideal for the sacred decor of your space.
Looking for options and colors in Nataraja statues that will fit in your interiors? This bestselling brass idol of Shiva comes in a number of variations, with different patina and fine decorations, each option beautifully sculpted following classic iconography, bringing the divine dancer to your home.
This bronze Nataraja is a striking idol, a recreation of the ancient Chola bronze sculptures, the large masterpieces, in which the dance of Shiva looks truly cosmic. Each element is crafted with perfection, enhanced by the animated smile of Shiva and his slender limbs poised in a graceful pose, creating a stunning centerpiece for your space.
It is said that when Shiva dances as Nataraja, Parvati, as Shivakami, witnesses his dance. This idea is presented in this traditional Chola-style bronze Nataraja with Parvati. Accompanied by the beautiful Uma-Parvati, this idol of Nataraja is a magnified vision of what happens in the core of creation- the balance of Purusha and Prakriti (male and female principles).
Indian ancient philosophy and asthetics of Indonesia combine in this brass Nataraja sculpture, a unique representation of Shiva’s dance. Lifting his trident, gently smiling, with his eyes slightly opened, this Nataraja idol is a gem for the art collector or connoisseur of cultures.
🔸Nataraja is Shiva in his cosmic dancer form, representing the cycles of creation, preservation, and destruction.
🔸The circle of fire around Shiva symbolizes the endless cosmic cycle, with Shiva at its center.
🔸The damru (drum) in his hand signifies the primal sound, Om, from which creation begins.
🔸The fire held by Shiva represents destruction, clearing the way for new beginnings.
🔸The lower right hand (Abhaya Mudra) offers protection and reassurance to devotees.
🔸The lower left hand, pointing toward the raised foot, guides seekers toward liberation and grace.
🔸Apsamara, the dwarf under Shiva’s foot, represents ignorance and ego that are conquered through divine knowledge.
🔸Placement of Nataraja should be in the east or northeast part of the house, never in bedrooms or unclean spaces.
🔸Best suited for dancers, artists, spiritual practitioners, or anyone seeking inspiration, balance, and wisdom.
🔸Material choices like brass or bronze, and size options, should match your space and intention.
🔸Keeping a Nataraja statue at home invites creativity, cosmic balance, spiritual growth, and positive energy.
Bringing a Nataraja statue home is like welcoming cosmic energies into your life. It is a good idea to welcome the dancing Lord home, especially if you are seeking balance, creativity, and clarity in your life. Crafted by the master-artists of Swamimalai, who have preserved the technique of lost-wax crafting and the classic Hindu iconography since ancient times, Nataraja statue is one of the most awe-inspiring idols of devotion and aesthetic that you can have in your space.
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