Who is Lord Natraja | Is Lord Natraja Statue In NASA ?

 Lord Nataraja, also known as Lord Natraj, is a revered deity in Hinduism. He is considered a form of Lord Shiva, one of the principal gods in the Hindu pantheon. Lord Nataraja is particularly associated with dance and is often depicted in a dynamic dance pose known as the Tandava.

 

The name "Nataraja" is Extracted from two Sanskrit words: "Nata," which means dance, and "Raja," which means king or lord. Together, they signify Lord Nataraja which means the King of Dance.

The Lord Nataraja statue refers to a specific representation of Lord Nataraja, the dancing form of Lord Shiva in Hindu mythology. The iconic Nataraja statue depicts Lord Shiva engaged in the cosmic dance of creation, preservation, and destruction, known as the Tandava.

 

What Nataraja statue symbolize :

 

The Nataraja statue is characterized by several distinct elements and symbolism. Lord Shiva is depicted with multiple arms, typically four, although some variations may show more arms. The upper right-hand holds a drum (damaru), symbolizing the rhythmic sound of creation. The upper left-hand holds fire, representing destruction or transformation. The lower right hand is held in the gesture of assurance (abhaya mudra), signifying protection and fearlessness. The lower left-hand points towards the raised left foot, symbolizing liberation.

 

The statue usually shows Lord Nataraja dancing on a dwarf figure called Apasmara or Muyalaka, representing ignorance and illusion. Lord Nataraja's hair is often depicted flowing wildly to represent the dynamic energy of his dance. The statue is adorned with a divine halo or aureole of flames, symbolizing cosmic energy.

 

The Nataraja statue is considered a powerful representation of Lord Shiva's cosmic dance and is highly revered by devotees. It is not limited to a specific temple or location but can be found in various temples and shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva throughout India and in Hindu communities worldwide. The most famous depiction of the Nataraja statue can be found in the Chidambaram Temple in Tamil Nadu, where Lord Nataraja is worshipped as the presiding deity. The Nataraja statue is also reproduced and revered as a sacred symbol in homes, art galleries, and cultural centers around the world.

 

Who is Shiv and how is he associated with Tandav:

 

Lord Shiva, also known as Mahadeva or the Great God, is one of the principal deities in Hinduism. He is regarded as the supreme being who embodies various aspects such as creation, preservation, and destruction. Lord Shiva is considered the destroyer of evil and the transformer of the universe.

 

Lord Shiva's association with the Tandava dance stems from his role as the cosmic dancer, symbolizing the rhythm and movement of the universe. The Tandava is a vigorous and dynamic dance form that represents the eternal cycle of creation and dissolution. It is believed that Lord Shiva performs the Tandava to maintain the cosmic balance and energy flow.

 

The Tandava dance of Lord Shiva is characterized by its intense and powerful movements. It embodies both the fierce and gentle aspects of Lord Shiva's nature. In the Tandava, Lord Shiva's dance expresses his control over the forces of creation, preservation, and destruction.

 

The Tandava is often described as having two main forms: the Ananda Tandava, representing the joyful and blissful aspect of Lord Shiva's dance, and the Rudra Tandava, symbolizing the fierce and destructive manifestation. Both forms of the Tandava convey the dynamic interplay of cosmic energies and the continuous cycle of life and death.

 

Lord Shiva's association with the Tandava dance signifies his role as the cosmic dancer who brings forth the process of creation and dissolution. It represents the ever-changing nature of existence, the rhythmic flow of time, and the ultimate unity of all things.

 

Devotees of Lord Shiva believe that witnessing or performing the Tandava dance can lead to spiritual awakening and liberation. The Tandava dance is celebrated through various rituals, dances, and artistic expressions in temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, particularly during festivals like Maha Shivaratri.

 

The cosmic dance of Lord Nataraja, known as the Tandava, is believed to represent the eternal cycle of creation, preservation, and destruction. It symbolizes the dynamic interplay of energies in the universe and the continuous movement of life.

 

Cosmic relation of Natraj statue :

 

The image of Nataraja encapsulates the concept of cosmic energy and the eternal cycle of creation, preservation, and destruction. The cosmic significance of Nataraja is reflected in various aspects of his depiction:

 

Dance of Creation: Nataraja's dynamic dance, known as the Tandava, represents the continuous process of creation. The rhythmic movements symbolize the cosmic energies that give rise to the universe and all forms of life.

 

Balance and Harmony: Nataraja's dance embodies the harmonious interplay of opposing forces. The dancing posture, with one leg raised and the other lowered, represents the balance between creation and destruction, light and darkness, and other complementary aspects of existence.

 

Destruction and Transformation: Nataraja's dance also signifies the destructive aspect of cosmic energy. The flames surrounding him symbolize the destructive forces that bring about transformation and change, clearing the way for new beginnings.

 

Liberation and Enlightenment: The gesture of Nataraja's hand pointing to his raised foot signifies liberation and the path to enlightenment. It represents the release from the cycle of birth and death, leading to spiritual liberation and union with the divine.

 

Through the symbolism of Nataraja's dance, devotees perceive the cosmic nature of the universe and recognize the interplay of cosmic energies within themselves. Nataraja's portrayal as the cosmic dancer inspires individuals to seek harmony, balance, and spiritual enlightenment in their own lives. His image serves as a reminder of the vastness and interconnectedness of the cosmos, inviting contemplation and a deeper understanding of the mysteries of existence.

 

Statue of Natraja at CERN :

 

Lord Nataraja, the cosmic dancer, is associated with CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research) through the presence of a symbolic statue installed on its premises. In 2004, CERN unveiled a large bronze statue of Lord Nataraja, known as the "Cosmic Dancer," outside the main building of its research facility in Geneva, Switzerland.SO lord Nataraja statue in NASA is a myth.

 

The presence of the Nataraja statue at CERN is symbolic and represents the connection between the scientific pursuit of understanding the fundamental nature of the universe and the spiritual and philosophical traditions of Hinduism. Lord Nataraja's cosmic dance embodies the dynamic and interconnected nature of the universe, which aligns with CERN's mission to explore the fundamental forces and particles that govern the cosmos.

 

The Nataraja statue at CERN serves as a visual representation of the harmony between science and spirituality, and the pursuit of knowledge and understanding through different lenses. It represents the recognition that scientific exploration and spiritual contemplation can coexist and provide different perspectives on the mysteries of the universe.

 

The presence of the Nataraja statue at CERN has sparked conversations and reflections on the intersections between science, spirituality, and philosophy. It serves as a reminder of the multifaceted nature of human inquiry and the diverse ways in which people seek to understand the cosmos.

 

Main Temples of Lord Natraj :

 

Temples dedicated specifically to Lord Nataraja, also known as Lord Natraj, can be found in various parts of India. Here are a few notable temples associated with Lord Nataraja:

 

Chidambaram Temple: Located in the town of Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, the Chidambaram Temple is one of the most famous and ancient temples dedicated to Lord Nataraja. It is believed to be the cosmic dance hall of Lord Shiva. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Nataraja in his dancing form.

 

Thirunallar Temple: Situated in Karaikal, Puducherry, the Thirunallar Temple is renowned for its association with Lord Shani (Saturn) and Lord Nataraja. Lord Nataraja is worshipped here as "Bhuvaneshwara Nataraja." Devotees visit this temple to seek relief from the malefic effects of Saturn and to receive the blessings of Lord Nataraja.

 

Ekambareswarar Temple: Located in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, the Ekambareswarar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple complex includes a separate shrine for Lord Nataraja, where he is worshipped in his dancing form.

 

Sri Maha Nataraja Temple: Situated in Gudimallam, Andhra Pradesh, the Sri Maha Nataraja Temple is believed to be the oldest Nataraja temple in India. The temple showcases a unique Nataraja statue carved out of a single stone.

 

Nellaiappar Temple: Located in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, the Nellaiappar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is considered one of the prominent Nataraja temples in South India. Lord Nataraja is worshipped in the form of "Ardhanareeswara" (half-male, half-female) along with the goddess Parvati.

 

These are just a few examples of temples where Lord Nataraja is worshipped. Lord Nataraja is revered and worshipped in many other Shiva temples across India, where devotees offer prayers, perform rituals, and seek his blessings for creativity, spiritual growth, and overall well-being