Consider the following statements regarding the dancing figure of Shiva as Nataraja
1. The right leg is suppressing the Apasmara, the demon of ignorance.
2. The left leg is in bhujangatrasita stance, which represents tirobhava, that is kicking away the
veil of maya or illusion.
3. The main right hand is held in dola hasta and connects with the abhaya hasta of the left hand.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation:
Shiva is associated with the end of the cosmic world with which this dancing Position of Nataraja is associated.
In this Chola period bronze sculpture he has been shown balancing himself on his right leg and suppressing the apasmara, the demon of ignorance or forgetfulness, with the foot of the same leg. At the same time he raises his left leg in bhujangatrasita stance, which represents tirobhava, that is kicking away the veil of maya or illusion from the devotee’s mind. His four arms are outstretched and the main right hand is posed in abhaya hasta. The upper right holds the damaru his favourite musical instrument to keep on the beat tala. The upper left hand carries a flame while the main left hand is held in dola hasta and connects with the abhaya hasta of the right hand. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.
His hair locks fly on both the sides touching the circular jvala mala or the garland of flames which surrounds the entire dancing figuration.