Dancing Shiva

Thota Vaikuntam’s interpretations of Nataraja are a tribute to Shiva’s cosmic role as the creator, preserver, and destroyer of the universe. His work captures the energy and wildness of Shiva's Tandava, the cosmic dance that both manifests and dissolves the universe. This energy is vividly conveyed through the extravagance of Shiva’s flowing locks, symbolic of the chaotic and uncontrollable forces that drive the cosmos, and through the surrounding halo of flames, which represents the eternal cycle of time. The imagery of Shiva as Nataraja, a figure first seen in Indian stone temple sculpture as early as the 5th century CE, has become one of the most enduring symbols. However, the more familiar bronze representation, with Shiva dancing within a flaming halo (prabha mandala), emerged during the Chola dynasty in the 10th century. In Vaikuntam’s bronze sculptures, this classical form is reimagined with contemporary influences, while still holding true to the symbolic elements: Shiva’s drum (damaru), signalling creation; the fire in his left hand, representing destruction; the abhaya mudrathat allays fear; and the dwarf demon Apasmara beneath his foot, symbolizing the ignorance that must be overcome to achieve enlightenment.