Shiva as Nataraja Performing the Cosmic Dance
Nataraja performing Shiva Tandava Nritya
The image shows a large-size sculptural relief carved on the right side of the Cave 1 entrance depicting Nataraja (Dancing King), a manifestation of Shiva, performing the tandava nritya, a vigorous cosmic dance of creation, preservation, and destruction.
As you can see, 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
– Shiva Tandava Nritya in the pediment of a gopura in Banteay Srei Temple, Cambodia
Related Pages
– Badami, Cave Temples of Badami
– Badami Cave 1, Badami Cave 2, Badami Cave 3, Badami Cave 4
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