Oil painting on canvas sheet (31 x35 inches)

THE DANCE OF BLISS 

NATARAJA in Ananda Tandavam ( The Dance of Bliss)  Nataraja depicts Shiva’s role as a Creator, preserver and destroyer of the universe and conveys the concept of never ending cycle of time.

 Shiva’s dance is set within a flaming halo. The god holds in his upper right hand the damaru (hand drum that made the first sounds of creation). His upper left hand holds agni (the fire that will destroy the universe). With his lower right hand, he makes abhayamudra (the gesture that allays fear). The dwarf like figure represents apasmara purusha (illusion, which leads mankind astray). Shiva’s front left hand, pointing to his raised left foot, signifies refuge for the troubled soul. The energy of his dance makes his hair fly to the sides. The symbols imply that, through belief in Shiva, his devotees can achieve salvation.