Shiva as Nataraja Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Who made the Shiva Nataraja?

Cholan dynasty

When was the Shiva Nataraja made?

Cholan period, circa 11th century

What medium was used for the Shiva Nataraja?

Copper alloy metalwork

What are the dimensions of the Shiva Nataraja?

26x22 inch Signup and view all the answers

What religion is associated with Shiva Nataraja?

Hinduism Signup and view all the answers

Where is Shiva Nataraja depicted?

Shiva Nataraja is dancing the eternal cycle of the cosmos. Signup and view all the answers

Is time linear or cyclical in Hinduism?

Cyclical Signup and view all the answers

What does each hand of Shiva Nataraja represent?

The drum beats the pulse of life; the flame destroys; the lifted foot represents liberation. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Shiva Nataraja standing on?

He tramples on ignorance and delusion represented by Apasmara (dwarf). Signup and view all the answers

What is the content of the story depicted in Shiva Nataraja?

It is the clearest image of the ability of God. Signup and view all the answers

How is the image of Shiva Nataraja used?

It is compared to Da Vinci's Vitruvian man. Signup and view all the answers

What is puja?

The center of Hindu worship, rituals designed to awaken the senses of people and God. Signup and view all the answers

What are the main steps in the lost wax method?

Bee wax model is carved, struts attached, model encased in clay, baked, wax melts out, metal poured, bronze smoothed. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Nataraja: Shiva as the Lord of Dance

Created during the Cholan dynasty.
Originates from the Cholan period, circa 11th century.
Crafted using copper alloy metalwork, a significant medium in sculptures.

Physical Attributes

Sculpture dimensions are 26x22 inches, showcasing its impressive size.
Depicts Shiva Nataraja engaged in dance, symbolizing the eternal cosmic cycle of creation and destruction.

Religious Context

Central figure in Hinduism, an important religion of the Indian subcontinent.
The dance represents the cyclical nature of time and existence, reflecting concepts of reincarnation.

Symbolism in the Dance

Each hand symbolizes different aspects: the drum illustrates the pulse of life, while the flame represents destruction.
The lifted foot signifies liberation, complemented by Abhaya mudra, which offers reassurance.

Iconography and Meaning

Shiva stands on Apasmara, the dwarf symbolizing ignorance and illusion, emphasizing spiritual triumph.
The artwork captures the essential nature of the divine, showcasing God's omnipotence and ability.

Cultural Usage

Similar to the Da Vinci's Vitruvian Man, the image conveys balance and harmony in the universe.

Ritualistic Significance

Puja is central to Hindu worship, involving rituals designed to heighten the awareness of the divine for both worshippers and deities.

Art Production Technique

The lost wax method involves several steps: carving a bee wax model, adding stability struts, encasing in clay, baking to remove wax, pouring molten bronze, and finishing with smoothing and polishing.

Description

Explore the significance of Shiva as Nataraja through these flashcards. Learn about its creation during the Cholan dynasty, the materials used, and the cultural context within Hinduism. Ideal for students of art history and religious studies.