Fotos

Natraj is one of the names of the Hindu god, Shiva,
the most revered god in this ancient religion. The
image of Natraj is also known as "dancing Shiva".
Shiva is frequently pictured with his bull, Nandi
and his consort, Parvati who is worshipped as Kali
or Durga. Historians believe that Hinduism was the
religion brought to the sub-continent of India by
Aryan invaders around the times period spanning
from 1,400 to 500 BC, nearly 5,000 years ago.

Natraj is sometimes referred to as "the dancer of
creation, lord of joy and sorrow." The dancing
image captured in popular statues is meant to
symbolize life's ebb and flow. It also reminds
us of the balance between form and void, as well
as the time before the divine created form from
the void. The statues of Natraj are framed by
a circle representing cosmic energy. If you
look closely at a status of this Hindu god, you
will see that Natraj stands upon a demon, which
symbolizes triumph over spiritual ignorance.

This Idol of Natraj was made of soil and then decorated with vivid colors. It was one of those shots I have taken during my puja visit this year.