Shiva as Lord of Dance (Shiva Nataraja)

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

This form of Shiva combines the god’s roles as creator, preserver, and destroyer of the universe—conveying the Indian concept of the never-ending cycle of time. The energy of Shiva’s dance causes his hair to fly to the sides. Set within a flaming halo, the god holds the fire of destruction and the drum that makes the first sounds of creation. His downward gesture toward his upraised foot alleviates fear and offers refuge. Correspondingly, with his other foot, he tramples a small figure (gana) who embodies humanity and the illusions standing in the way of moksha (transcendence). Such images were taken in processions so to be seen by the public during festivals.

Asian Art

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Met's collection of Asian art—more than 35,000 objects, ranging in date from the third millennium B.C. to the twenty-first century—is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the world. Each of the many civilizations of Asia is represented by outstanding works, providing an unrivaled experience of the artistic traditions of nearly half the world.

Metropolitan Museum of Art