Nataraja- Shiva as the Lord of Dance, embodying the cosmic movement and stillness in his presence, breathes life into metal in this brass statue. Placed on a two-tiered peetham, Nataraja stands on an inverted lotus platform, in his characteristic posture, with his four arms, dynamically unfurled Jatas (locks), Naga (serpent) and sash- all amplifying the sense of animation of the icon. A majestic aureole of fire on the outside and petal motifs on the inside surrounds the dancing Shiva, who quells Apasmara, the demon of ignorance under his foot. A splendid attention to detail can be seen in the miniature images of Ganga and Naga in the hair of Shiva, floral patterns on the scarf and the divine expressions of Nataraja, which come together to give this metal murti an exquisite artistic appeal.
