Anandatandava - The Dance of Absolute Bliss
We like this small solid brass Nataraja as it fits on any shelf, desk or altar.
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Dimensions: 6" X 5" X 1.5"
Weight: 1 lb
Description:
From 'Mahambujapitha', the pedestal consisting of double lotuses, rises 'tiruvashi', the fire-arch and Nataraja. The fire-arch rises from the lotus-base, which symbolizes manifestation. On the apex, opposite the lotus-base, the arch aligns and joins with the Shrimukha, the symbol of auspices. The arch is the nature, the cosmos manifest, and the great Lord, by dancing, pervades it. The triple rimmed arch represents earth, atmosphere and sky. Fire constitutes the uppermost ring. Being an element of the atmosphere it presents the sky. Shiva's snakes are active and represent earth. The lotuses, representing ocean, form the base for the entire phenomenon.
Shiva as Nataraja performs 'Anandatandava', the dance of absolute bliss, after the Great Age has ended and dissolution becomes imperative for it is only he who remains to dance over the head of dissolution. Shiva dances over the body of Apasmarapurusha, the demon of forgetfulness. Apasmara is darkness and darkness succeeds dissolution. Apasmara supports the Dancing god's right leg upon its hip and looks with satisfaction for the demon knows it will prevail even thereafter. In his uppermost right hand the Great Lord holds his 'drum', the symbol of sound, which vibrates the space, or the 'Akasha'. Sound is the first of the five elements that announce creation. His upper left hand carries in it the flame of fire, the symbol of final conflagration, as all that stands created is heading to a dissolution. The lower right hands assure fearlessness, as that which is heading towards dissolution will be created again. The lower left hand moves from left to right symbolizing release and liberation. There emits from his mind massive fire waves for it is not only his 'Anandatandava' that is fiery but also his object.
The 'Anandatandava' takes place in the hall of consciousness within the heart of man. It is the manifestation of fivefold activity - creating, maintaining, unveiling, veiling and destroying. It is a celestial revelation of six 'bhavas', the 'shrishti', 'sanhara', 'vidya', 'avidya', 'gati' and 'agati', that is, creation, dissolution, knowledge, ignorance, motion and inertness. The 'Anandatandava', thus encompasses within it the entire cosmos and its phenomenal existence.
