Nataraja (nata=dancer; raja=lord, king) is a name of Siva, Lord of the Dance. Siva is not only the god of mystical stillness, death and destruction, but also Lord of the Dance. In His Himalayan abode on Mount Kailasa and in His southern home, the temple of Chidambaram, Siva dances. The God created over a hundred dances, some calm and gentle, others fierce and terrible. The most famous of the terrible ones is the Tandava, the cosmic dance of destruction, in which Siva, full of fury at his father-in-law Daksa for killing his beloved spouse Sati, surrounded by his attendants (ganas), beats out a wild rhythm, destroys Daksa and threatens the world. Siva, as Lord of the Dance, has inspired some of the finest Indian sculptures and South Indian bronzes.
This vigorous and beautiful pose is dedicated to Siva, Lord of the Dance, who is also the fountain and source of Yoga.
This asana stretches the upper body and developes balance. This difficult balancing asana develops poise and a graceful carriage. It tones and strengthens the leg muscles. The shoulder-blades get full movement and the chest expands fully. All the vertebral joints benefit from the exercise in this pose.
Note: Please perform the yoga under the guide of a certified yoga teacher especially for beginner. You are at your own risk and responsible if you perform on your own. Whatever provided here is just act as an information.
Source from Light on Yoga by B.K.S. Iyengar
Yoga Mind & Body by Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre
Posts
