Who among the following is worshipped as Nataraja before many classical dance performances in India?
AIndra
BVishnu
CBrahma
DShiva
Answer:
D. Shiva
Read Explanation:
Nataraja: The Dancing Lord
In Hinduism, Shiva is revered as Nataraja, the 'Lord of the Dance'. This form symbolizes the cosmic cycle of creation, preservation, and destruction.
Significance in Classical Indian Dance
- Many classical Indian dance forms, such as Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, and Kathakali, begin with a prayer or invocation to Lord Shiva as Nataraja.
- This ritual is performed to seek blessings for a successful performance and to honor the divine origin of the art form.
- The dance of Nataraja is seen as the source of all movement and rhythm in the universe.
Iconography of Nataraja
- The idol of Nataraja typically depicts Shiva dancing within a circle of flames, representing the cosmic fire of destruction and recreation.
- He is often shown with four arms:
- One hand holds a drum (damaru), symbolizing the sound of creation.
- Another hand holds a flame (agni), representing destruction.
- A third hand is raised in the abhaya mudra (gesture of fearlessness), offering protection.
- The fourth hand points downwards towards his raised foot, signifying liberation or release from the cycle of rebirth.
- His foot rests on the back of a dwarf-like figure (Apasmara), who represents ignorance and ego.
Historical and Cultural Context
- The worship of Shiva as Nataraja has ancient roots, with early depictions found in South Indian temples dating back to the Pallava dynasty (7th-9th centuries CE).
- The Chola bronzes of Nataraja, particularly from the 10th-12th centuries, are considered masterpieces of Indian sculpture and widely recognized globally.