- This form of Siva is known as Lord of the Cosmic dance.
- This form depicts the constant movement or rotation of the heavenly bodies, the planets, the Universe and even the small atoms that form part of all things.
- It is particularly venerated by those who study Bharathanatyam – South Indian Classical dance
- Shiva’s five fold functions are demonstrated in this cosmic Dance:
- Creation – the drum in the right hand
- Preservation – Raised right hand with open palm
- Dissolution – The pot of fire in the left hand
- Obscuration – Right foot standing on the demon Muyalagan (symbolising Aanavam)
- Bestowing of Grace – the lifted leg
- His left hand points to His left foot to show that surrendering at Lord Nataraja’s feet will lead to Realisation.
- In our temple, He is present with His consort Sivakami and surrounded by the 4 Nayanmars (Saiva Saints)
Where in the Temple?
- Situated in a separate shrine behind the moolasthanam, on the left hand side
Main Festivals Celebrated
- Thiruvembavai
- Sarvalaya Deepam
- Special Nadeswara Abishekham – 6 times a year
Associated songs / slokams
- Panchachara Mantra – Om Namah Shivaya
- Sivapuranam
- Thirumurais
How to pray
- Recitation of Thirumurai (Thevaaram, Thivaasagam including Sivapuranam etc.)
- Japa – silent meditative repetition of the Panchaachara Mantra – Om Namah Shivaya