Philosophy of Lord Nataraja's dance

by Subashini PATHMANATHAN

The cosmic dancer Lord Siva is often referred to as Lord Nataraja, Koothapiran, Ampalakoothan, Adavallan, Adputhakoothan, Thillai Koothan and Thandava Moorthy. Lord Nataraja is the general and the common name used for the dancing deity.

According to the popular belief the dance of Lord Nataraja consists of five essential elements of the world which are collectively called Panchaputhams. The five important elements of the world are fire, water, wind, earth, akasham (sky).

The dance pose of Lord Nataraja consists of all these important elements. Among the four hands the right hand of Lord Nataraja holds the wind instrument, udiki and the right leg is rested on the demon (Muyalavan). Agini (fire) is in his left hand. Ganga (river) in his tresses and the moon is worn in the tresses.

All these five essential elements are coordinated to five famous temples. Kanchipuram Temple is related to earth. Thiruvaanikal is related to water. Thiruvanamali is related to fire. Kalahsti temple is related to wind and Chithamparam temple is related to Akaya (Sky or ether).

The drum which is in the right hand of Lord Nataraja denotes the creation, the fire in the left hand depicts the destruction, the second right hand denotes the protection for all living beings by Abaya Hasta. Similarly the second left hand is in Dola hasta position to attract all towards him. Raised left leg demands all the beings to surrender to him for salvation.

The pressed right leg denotes the destruction of the evils such as Kama , ego, pride, anger, jealousy.

This particular Nataraja pose is often referred to Ananda Thandava. Ananda Thandavam depicts the entire Panchakirthiya Thollil of Lord Siva. The five works of Lord are necessary for the survival of the world. This is collectively called Panchakirthiya thollil which includes creation and protection. Protection is further divided into two.

One is protection during the time of happiness and the other is protection during the time of distress. The third is destruction, fourth is protecting the soul from illusion, pouring blessing is the fifth significant function. All these functions are done separately in six different thandavas, and at last in Ananda Thandava all the six functions are done in one single thandava.

In the Sabtha Thandava division Ananda Thandva is the last Thandava. It was believed that Lord Natara danced six different Thandavas separately in different temples. And in Chithamparam he danced the entire six thandavas in one single thandava named Ananda Thandava. Thiruvathirai the circular outside frame indicates the continuation of life and death cycle, until one attains moksha.

According to puranas Lord Siva danced for his devotees in various dance halls of different temples. Muni Thandava (creation thandava) at Thambra Sabhai in Thirunelvelli, Gowri Thandava at Chitrasabai in Tirupputur, Santhiya Thandavam (protection thandavam) was danced at the Rajatasabi in Madurai .

Thirupura Thandava (protecting from illusion) was supposed to be danced by the Lord at Chitra Sabai at Thirukutrallam. Ananda Thandava (the final thandavam among the Sabtha Thandava, all the five thollils (works) depicts in one thandava position in Kanaga Sabai at Chithamparam. Yet in Saiva agamas there are various references about different Sabas (dance halls). Ratnasabai at Thiruvalanguthu is also one of the Natya Sabas where Lord Siva was believed to have danced for his audience.

And also it was believed that 108 karanas based on the Thandavams were performed by Lord Siva in altogether 64 temples. Saint Thirumular in Thirumanthiram states;-

As Shiva is all and omnipresent,

Everywhere is Shiva's gracious dance made manifest.

His five-fold dances are temporal and timeless.

His five-fold dances are his five activities.

By his grace he performs the five acts,

This is the sacred dance of uma-sahaya.

He dances with water, fire, wind, and ether,

Thus our Lord dances ever in the court.