Consider the following statements with reference to the Nataraj bronze sculpture of Chola period :
- 1. Shiva is shown balancing himself on his right leg representing tirobhava.
- 2. Shiva is shown raising his left leg in bhujangatrasita stance, representing kicking away the illusion from the devotee’s mind.
- 3. The main right hand holds the damaru, Shiva’s favourite musical instrument.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
1 only
2 only
2 and 3
1, 2 and 3
Answer is Wrong!
Answer is Right!
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-2 – 2023
2. Shiva’s left leg is raised in the dance. This raised foot symbolizes *Anugraha* (grace) and *Moksha* (salvation), the release from the cycle of birth and death achieved through Shiva’s grace. While liberation involves overcoming illusion, describing it as “kicking away the illusion” might not be the standard or most accurate interpretation of the raised leg’s primary symbolism. The stance is indeed bhujangatrasita. Thus, statement 2 is likely incorrect in its interpretation.
3. The Nataraja sculpture features four arms. The *upper* right hand holds the Damaru (drum), symbolizing creation. The *lower* right hand is in the Abhaya Mudra (gesture of fearlessness), symbolizing preservation. The statement says the “main right hand” (implying the lower one) holds the damaru, which is incorrect.