Inspired by Ananda Coomaraswamy’s Dance of Shiva. Gopa pens a poem about Natraj, exclusively for Different Truths.

The beginner of cosmos.
Poised on your right leg.
Dynamic and controlled.

You the creator, You the destroyer.
Pasupathi, the Lord of Beasts.
Disarming both the fierce tiger and poisonous serpent .
Fearlessness is your mantra.

You the preacher, You the missionary.
Maheshwar, dominator of ego.
Ego, the malignant dwarf pressed underfoot.
So small, yet imagines being big.
Control is your mantra.

Gangadhar, captured Ganga in your locks.
Balachandran, where crescent moon rests peacefully.
Vyomkesh, adorned with unisex ornamentations.
Your left foot raised, right hand in ‘Athaya’.
Intertwining the concept of ‘Ardhanarishvara’.

You the rhythm, You the cadence.
The sound of ‘Damru’,
Sets the cosmos in motion.
Nataraja, dancer of Mukti
Balance of truth and Shakti.
Peace is your mantra.

The ultimate Nataraja’s image of decorum
Satyam Shivam Sundaram.

Notes by the poet:

Source of information: Ananda Coomaraswamy’s Dance of Shiva

Word meaning:

Athaya – raised for blessings
Ardhanarishvara – synthesis of masculine and feminine energies of universe
Damru – a musical instrument representing two-headed small drum
Mukti – freedom, salvation
Shakti – power
Satyam Shivam Sundaram – Truth, Godliness, Beauty.

Picture design Anumita Roy