This is a statue in the image of the Nataraj, the dancing form of Lord Shiva. The term "Nataraj" means King of Dancers. It was made by artisans in the Himalayan Kingdom of Nepal who have been making these statues for generations.
The Shiva Nataraj depicts the great Lord Shiva in his dance of bliss, his dance of creation and destruction, while trampling down the demon of ego that hinders one's progress on the path to enlightenment.
In a composition which expresses the rhythm and harmony of life, Nataraj is shown with his left foot elegantly raised and the right foot on a prostrate figure — 'Apasmara Purusha', the personification of illusion and ignorance over whom Shiva triumphs. The upper left hand holds a flame, the upper right hand holds a small drum or damaru. His lower right hand is raised in the mudra of offering the blessing, "Be without fear." He dances within an arch of flames representing the endless cycle of birth and death. On his head is a skull, which symbolizes his conquest over death. His third eye is symbolic of his omniscience, insight, and enlightenment. The statue rests on a lotus pedestal, the symbol of the creative forces of the universe.
This brass statue is about 8 1/4 inches tall. It has a beautiful double ring of flames surrounding Shiva's dancing form.
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