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Significance of Nataraja

Nataraja, as defined by Vastushastra, is a significant representation of Shiva that highlights his divine dance and artistic expressions found in temples. This depiction emphasizes the cultural performances associated with Shiva, showcasing the importance of dance in spiritual and ritualistic practices. Through the lens of Vastushastra, Nataraja embodies the harmonious blend of art, spirituality, and cultural identity in temple architecture and religious observances.1
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Synonyms: Shiva, Lord of dance, Cosmic dancer, Dancing shiva, Nataraj, Lord nataraja, Divine dancer

In Dutch: Nataraja; In Finnish: Nataraja; In Spanish: Nataraja

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Hindu concept of 'Nataraja'

Hinduism Books

Nataraja in Hinduism symbolizes a revered aspect of Shiva, portrayed through temple art. This representation emphasizes the significance of dance and cultural performances, illustrating Shiva's role as the divine cosmic dancer.

Significance in Vastushastra (architecture):
Vastushastra Books

From: Vastu-shastra (Introduction to Indian architecture)

(1) A revered aspect of Shiva depicted through the artistic expressions in temples, particularly in relation to dance and cultural performances.[1]

Vastushastra refers to the ancient Indian science (shastra) of architecture (vastu), dealing with topics such architecture, sculpture, town-building, fort building and various other constructions. Vastu also deals with the philosophy of the architectural relation with the cosmic universe.

The concept of Nataraja in local and regional sources

History Books

Nataraja signifies Lord Shiva as the cosmic dancer in Hinduism, embodying the essential cycles of creation and destruction, reflecting profound spiritual and artistic values in Indian culture and iconography.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Triveni Journal

(1) A form of Shiva depicted as the Lord of Dance, symbolizing the cosmic cycles of creation, preservation, and destruction.[2] (2) The cosmic form of Lord Shiva depicted through dancing, representing harmony and divine joy in the universe.[3] (3) The depiction of Lord Shiva as the cosmic dancer, symbolizing the rhythmic cycles of creation and destruction.[4] (4) A representation of God in Hinduism signifying the dance of creation, embodying the cycle of existence and divine unity.[5] (5) The form of Shiva depicted as the cosmic dancer, embodying creation and destruction, significant in the artistic and spiritual traditions of India.[6]