Lord Nataraja, dancing Shiva

Nataraja, meaning “the Lord of dance”, is Lord Shiva in his form as the cosmic dancer, performing the dance of destruction.

In the Hindu trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, each has a specific role to perform. Brahma is the creator, Vishnu is the sustainer and Shiva is the destroyer. Together, in the material world, these three make up the primary manifestations of Narayana, the Supreme Lord.

The destruction of Lord Shiva is the manifestation of his grace. As the destroyer, he will not only eliminate the burdens weighing onto one, but he will also take those burdens upon himself.

As Paramahamsa Vishwananda says, 'People might get a bit scared when they hear “the destroyer” but it’s always for a good cause. Whatever he destroys he always gives the opportunity to recreate. At the end of life, we face death. We are so scared about death, but this is the time when Shiva comes. He enables the soul to be born again. He gives the opportunity just to do all the things you have not done. If you have not reached the level of realisation, He gives you the chance to try again. He gives the opportunity all the time. Each one of us should try our best to come to the point of realising God completely – to realise who we really are.'

Material: Brass