Nataraja and the Chidambara Rahasya

Chennai

Nataraja holds fire in one hand, representing the fire element. A damaru in his other hand depicts the space element. Shiva’s hair is open and flying representing the air element. One foot on ground symbolizes prithvi (earth element), another in the air.

One hand is the symbolic abhaya hasta offering protection and the other points to his feet symbolizing surrender. With one foot already in the air, he has already taken a step towards the devotee. He says “You are dear to me” even before beginning. Even in the Bhagavad Geeta, Lord Krishna says to Arjuna - “You are very dear to me”. When you know that you are dear to someone, there is trust and love arises in the heart. Life should be like this. If both feet are stuck in the ground then you cannot dance. Even to walk you need to take one foot up.

Chidambara Rahasya

Chidambaram is the place of Shiva symbolizing the akasha tattva (the principle of space). We can only know the secret of Shiva tattva by going within. When you remove the veil of illusion and desires, you experience the vast infinite inner space. For a few moments your mind becomes free from thoughts and this experience brings a transformation in life.

—The writer is the founder of Art of Living Foundation and can be reached at www.artofliving.org