A depiction of the Hindu god Shiva as the cosmic ecstatic dancer is none other than Nataraja. The dance performed is called Tandavam or Nadanta.

Nataraja holds fire in one hand and damru in another. Fire represents fire element whereas the latter represents the space element.

Not only space but many forces driven in our universe are similar to that of a damru shape. Like a chromosome, a shape of galaxies. Time too have a conical representation.

∞ this shape which is considered as infinity is also a shape of damru.

Everything that is seen in Nataraja depicts some force or element of our universe. Talking about Lord Shiva, his hair is open and windborne which represents air element. His one hand is the symbolic abhayahasta which derives protection and the another one points towards his feet saying surrender. His one foot is on the path depicting Earth element and another one in the air symbolising taking a step towards the devotee and he says, "You are dear to me."

He is saying if both the feet are on the ground, you can not dance. To walk, to run you have to take one foot off the ground. The Nataraja represents Ananda Tattva that means bliss. Lord Shiva is peaceful, yet dancing.

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