The Nataraja form embodies Shiva’s five cosmic functions: creation, protection, destruction, the concealment of illusion, and liberation (emancipation). In Bharatanatyam, the Nataraja pose represents ...

One of the most respected dance forms, a Bharatanatyam dance tells a story. In Indian mythology, there are three main gods: Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the protector) and Shiva (the destroyer).

The alarippu in Sankirna Chaapu featured elements representative of Shiva’s iconic image — the damaru, the Ganga flowing from his locks, the tiger skin and snake — through interesting poses ...