Lord Shiva is symbolized as an embodiment of energy and his powerful dance is an example of that immense energy and power. ‘Nataraja’ means the King of Dance and there is a lot of physics behind Shiva’s cosmic dance.
According to scientific research, Shiva’s cosmic dance symbolizes the interaction between the static and the dynamic energy flow. This energy flow contains five principles – creation, destruction, preservation, illusion, and emancipation. His appearance is different and unique. The figure of Lord Nataraja is enclosed in a ring of fire, which represents the continuous creation and destruction of the universe. The mass, space, and time are believed to be enclosed within this cosmic ring of fire. Usually, Nataraja will be worshipped on the auspicious Arudra Darshan day.
On his upper right hand, he holds the Damru (hand drum in the shape of hourglass), which represents creation and time. His lower right hand is in Abhaya Mudra or blessing pose. His upper left-hand holds fire, the symbol of destruction, while his lower left hand is raised near his chest with his palms facing down. This symbolizes the mastery of meditation and enlightenment. His right leg is placed on a demon named Apasmara, which denotes the end of ignorance. The skull over his head denotes the conquest over death.
Thus Shiva’s cosmic dance is popularly known as the dance of bliss and symbolizes the cosmic cycles of creation and destruction, also the rhythm of birth and death. As per modern physics, Shiva’s dance has been described as a dance of subatomic matter. It is a depiction of the birth and death of matter, which is the continuous cycle of life between creation and destruction.
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