A few things about the central Mahadeva figure in this composition are not found in run-of-the-mill Nataraja murtis. Instead of a halo, a raging fire ascends at the back of His head. His attire and adornments are more in keeping with His status as divine householder Umapati Shiva, than with His ascetic aspect usually visualised in little more than a tiger-skin loincloth and a bunch of rudrakshas. From the long, slender digits of His hands and feet to the crown of tresses sitting on His head, the sculptor has poured a paid great attention to detail in each aspect of this murtiUpon a multi-tiered pedestal engraved with statement lotus petals stands a superfine aureole. It is a solid number with a chequered body, hemmed in by a circular band of minimalistic curvaceous engravings. The outer circumference of the same is set with discrete flames, symbolic of annihilation. An unusual Kirtimukham, complete with hands and nose and some semblance of a body, completes the aureole.
