Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram – Ananda Tandava Posture
The Anandatandava posture of Nataraja
represents pancikritya functions of the godhead believed to have
created the dynamic force to create the world.
1. The demon under Lord Nataraja's feet signifies that
ignorance is under His feet.
2. The fire in His hand (power of destruction) means he
is the destroyer of evil.
3. The raised hand
(Abhaya or Pataka mudra) signifies that he is the savior of all
life forms.
4. The arc of fire
called Thiruvashi or Prabhavati signifies the cosmos and
the perpetual motion of the earth.
5. The drum in his hand signifies the origin of life
forms.
6. The lotus pedestal signifies Om, the sound of
the universe.
7. His right eye, left eye and third eye signify the
sun, moon and fire/knowledge, respectively.
8. His right earring (makara kundalam) and left earring
(sthri kundalam) signify the union of man and woman (right is man, left is
woman).
9. The crescent moon in his hair signifies benevolence
and beauty.
10. The flowing of river Ganges through his
matted hair signifies eternity of life.
11. The dreading of his hair and drape signify the force
of his dance.
