TYPE: Form of the god Siva
ORIGIN: Hindu (Puranic)
INFORMATION: Emerging from 1200 CE onward, this form depicts Siva as "lord of the dance" ringed by fire and with one foot on a demon in the form of a black dwarf. Nataraja arguably epitomizes the moving power in the cosmos. Largely seen in southern Indian bronzes that display the dance form ananadatandava.