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| Nataraja outside Badami Cave no. 1 |
Nataraj is an Avatar or form of Lord Shiva as divine Dancer. Shiva is known for his dance form
Tandava which has been in described in ancient texts like Uttarakamika agama etc. Shiva holds #agni, gajahasta or dandhasta mudra with a snake wrapped in one of the hands and a damaru. He stands on a lotus pedestal using only one leg and usually left leg is lifted in air. Clicked in March 2015, this picture is from Cave One of Badami. The mural is about 1 and a half meter tall with 18 arms.
Ganesha is near his feet and the Nandi - the bull can be seen behind him. Today is celebrated as International Dance Day which Is celebrated as Global Celebration of dance. Although the day is celebrated to honor Jean-Georges Noverre, the creator of Modern Ballet, I think it would be appropriate to remember the most ancient god of Dance