One of the more meaningful mythological symbols in Hinduism comes in the form of Shiva as Nataraja (Lord of the Cosmic Dance). This iconic work of religious art represents many philosophical and spiritual ideas, including:
The upper right hand holds a drum shaped like an hourglass, which beats out the rhythm of time, creating the veil of the temporal material world that we observe, obscuring eternity. The upper left hand holds the flame of spiritual light, which burns away this veil of illusion known as “Maya” (sanskrit), revealing the ever present void of eternity from which all things come and go. The second right hand is in the fear-dispelling gesture known as “Abhaya”, telling us not be afraid, to go beyond the illusion. The second left hand lifted across the chest, pointing to the raised left foot, is reminiscent of an “elephants trunk” which signifies “teaching.” *”For where an elephant has gone through jungles, all animals can follow, and where a teacher leads disciples follow. The left foot to which the “teaching hand” points, is lifted to symbolize “release” from the fears and desires that control human behavior. While the right foot is stamping (dancing) on the dwarf called “Apasmara” symbolizing “Ignorance” or “Forgetfullness”. The dwarf is gazing up in fascination at the poisonous world-serpent on Shiva’s right arm, representing man’s psychological attraction to the realm of his bondage or Maya, therefore he is unable to see beyond his phyisical senses. *”Shiva’s right earring is a man’s, his left is a woman’s; for he includes and transcends opposites”. *”The god’s head, meanwhile is poised, serene and still, in the midst of all the movement of creation and destruction represented in the rhythm of the rocking arms and slowly stamping right heel.”
My thanks to Joseph Campbell and his many books on Mythology in particular “The Mythic Image” from which some passages have been quoted*. “Imagery, especially the imagery of dreams, is the basis of mythology.” – Joseph Campbell
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