Nataraja-A Yogi's Description 

Whenever I see Nataraja , I get lots of energy. One day, I thought I should research on the pose of Nataraja..each and every mudra and adornment. So, presenting what I have learnt.

• JwaalaMala - We can see Nataraja standing in a circle. That is called JwalaMala which is the sign of OM or Pranavanaadam.

• In his Jataajutam or hair , there is a criscent moon and ganga. Moon is the symbol of Generosity or grace and Ruler Of Time. Ganga is the symbol of prosperity and wealth.

• The 3 eyes of Shiva Surya,Chandra and Agni symbolize Trikaalas. Third Eye is the symbol of "Gnana" or Wisdom and this is the place where we put Tilakam.

• Ear Rings - Left ear ring called "Taatankamu" depicts woman or sthree and right ear ring called "Makarakundalamu" depicts Man or purusha indicating Arthanaareeswara roopam.

• Snakes depict Kundalini Shakthi.

More About Kundalini.....

Kundalini literally means coiled. In Yoga, a "corporeal energy" an unconscious , instinctive force or shakti, lies coiled at the base of the spine.It is envisioned either as a goddess or else as a "Sleeping Serpent", hence a number of  English renderings of the term as "Serpent Power".The Kundalini resides in the Saccrum bone in three and a half coils and has been described as a residual power of pure desire.

To invoke Kundalini Shakthi, one does yogic practices like Meditation. Lord Shiva himself is a yogi , so must have kundalini with him I thought reading this point. :-)

•  Yagnopaveetham - Or sacred thread depicts Holiness.

• We can see four hands of Nataraja where he holds Damarukam in his right upper hand indicating the Origin of life or srushti.

• Abhaya Hasta with lower right hand indicating sthithi.

• Fire in the upper left hand depicting Destruction or Samhara chihna.

• Lower left hand with Dola Hasta depicting Varada or grace.

• Right leg is in Sthitha Paada. Under his leg is a Dwarf Demon depicting ignorance(Agnana) , Old age(Jara) and Death(Maranam). This sight indicates that Paramashiva suppresses all our ignorance.

• Left leg is in Kunchita padam depicitng Moksham.

• He wears elephant skin and bells indicating Veeratvam(Heroism)

            So, let us say OM NATARAJAYA NAMAHA and dance to attain immortal bliss......