Shiva's hair supports a crescent moon, a symbol of the female reproductive cycle. A deadly cobra too performs its own jig on his head.
With his twin drum raised in his right hand, he beats out the rhythms of the universe according to which nature flows, traversing the journey from life to death. Hence Shiva encompasses within himself the complete cycle of birth and destruction (death), the trident in his left hand being a symbol of the latter.
The color of the background is significant. Red is the color of creativity and energy in Hindu thought. It is also the color of passion. Thus Shiva does whatever he does with liveliness and passion.
Of Related Interest:
Shiva, King of Dancers (Nataraja) (Brass Statue)
Gajantaka Shiva Dancing as Bhairava (Tantra Painting)
The Dance of Shiva (Paperback Book)
The Dance of Shiva and Parvati (Batik Painting On Cotton)
Dance of Shiva (Madhubani Painting on Hand Made Paper Treated with Cow Dung)
Shiva as Nataraja : Dance and Destruction In Indian Art (Article)
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