It is interesting to note that symbolism, which has always been a strong feature of Indian art and religion, is also to be found underlying the attitudes and attributes of Shiva as represented in his various dance poses.
For instance, in the Ananda Tandava, or Dance of Bliss, the hand holding the damaru or rattle drum stands for creation; the hand shown as a flat palm with extended fingers gives assurance of protection; the hand holding the fire signifies destruction and purification; the foot planted on the subdued dwarf symbolises the snapping of the fetters that bind the soul in ignorance and illusion; the upraised foot implies a release from the bondage, which means emancipation of the soul from the cycle of re-birth; and the fourth hand pointing to the raised foot tells of the path of salvation or deliverance.
Nor does the significance end here.
For one who can perceive deeper the Ananda Tandava attitude of Shiva, it is fraught with yet more recondite symbolism, as, for instance, is seen in explaining the damaru.
It suggests vibrations - vital vibrations which constitute the first step in the evolution of the universe as also the birth of sound primal sound on which all music and language of the Universe are based. Some images show Shiva with flying locks of hair studded with stars - the set pattern of the rhythm of the cosmos.
While two eyes of Shiva represent the two eyes of the world, namely the sun and the moon, his third eye, in the centre of the forehead, stands for latent fire; together Shiva's three eyes are also taken to indicate the past, present, and future integrated into the infinite span of Time.
The serpents adorning various parts of his body suggest the diverse forces he has tamed and harnessed.
The wearing of a man's earring on one side and a woman's on the other implies that he embodies in his form both male and female energies. The Ganga spouting from his streaming tresses gives affirmation of his death- lessness.
And Shiva's dance on the ugly, writhing dwarf signifies the complete defeat of evil in the world.
Traditions of Indian Classical Dance, Mohan Khokar, Pg 17-18.
What does Shiva's third eye indicate?
