Nataraja Performing Shiva Tandava Nritya
The image shows a large-size sculptural panel carved into the right side wall of the Cave 1 entrance depicting Nataraja (King of Dance), a manifestation of Shiva, performing the tandava nritya, a vigorous cosmic dance of creation, preservation, and destruction. Cave 1 is the first of the four rock-cut cave temples of Badami in Karnataka, India.
As seen from the image, Nataraja is standing with a dancing pose on a lotus pedestal with his 18 hands carrying a variety of objects, including a trishula (trident) and an ax. Standing behind him is his vehicle Nandi and standing to his left is his son Ganesha. There is an unidentified male figure seated behind Ganesha, likely a musician beating a drum.
Cave 1 Images
– Facade and Entrance
– Cave 1 Ground Plan
– Left side view: Dwarapala, Shiva-Parvati, Vrishabha-Kunjara
– Mukhamantapa right wall: Ardhanarishvara and Sage Bhringi
– Mukhamantapa left wall: Harihara – Fusion of Shiva and Vishnu
– Mukhamantapa ceiling: Nagaraja
– Interior view: Garbhagriha and pillars
– Garbhagriha: Shivalinga
Related Images
– Elephanta Main Cave: Shiva as Nataraja Performing the Cosmic Dance
– Shiva Tandava Nritya in the pediment of a gopura in Banteay Srei Temple, Cambodia
Explore More About Badami Caves
– Badami
– Cave Temples of Badami
– Badami Cave 1, Badami Cave 2, Badami Cave 3, Badami Cave 4
– Durga Temple at Aihole
Explore Elephanta Caves
– Cave Temples of Elephanta
– Elephanta Main Cave, Elephanta Main Cave Ground Plan
– The Mystery of Elephanta Cave 2
– The Smaller Caves of Elephanta: Caves 2, 3, 4, and 5
– How to Reach Elephanta Caves
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