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Nataraja Statue: Who Is The Dwarf Demon Under Lord Shiva Foot?
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In Lord Shiva's Nataraja statue, a dwarf demon named Apasmara is seen crushed under his foot. He symbolises ignorance, which Shiva controls through his cosmic dance
Have you ever closely observed Lord Shiva's Nataraja pose? If not, you can easily spot it in many depictions. The Nataraja form of Shiva, where he performs the Tandava dance, is world-renowned. In this powerful pose, Lord Shiva is shown pressing a dwarf-sized demon under his right foot. But who is this demon, and why is he being crushed underfoot? There's an intriguing story behind it.
Before we get to the legend, it's important to understand why the Nataraja form is so significant. In this form, Shiva performs the Tandava, a cosmic dance of creation and destruction. The Nataraja statue is a globally recognised symbol of Indian art and spirituality. One such statue is even installed at the world's largest physics laboratory, CERN, in Switzerland.
In the statue, Shiva is seen pressing down a dwarf-like figure named Apasmara. This isn't just a sculpture; it represents a profound spiritual truth. Apasmara, in Hindu mythology, symbolises ignorance, arrogance, and delusion. According to ancient texts, he was a demon who, after intense penance, received a boon from Lord Brahma that no god, human, or demon could kill him.
Empowered by this boon, Apasmara began tormenting sages and spreading darkness by clouding people's wisdom and judgement. The gods, distressed by his power, turned to Shiva. Since he couldn't be killed, Shiva chose to subdue him instead. He began the Tandava in Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, believed to be the stage of the sky element, and summoned immense spiritual energy.
As the dance intensified, Apasmara tried to interrupt. Shiva, in his Nataraja form, raised his right leg and pressed the demon beneath his foot, containing him forever. Shiva didn't kill him, because ignorance cannot be destroyed entirely; it's a part of human existence. Without ignorance, there can be no pursuit of knowledge. That's why Apasmara remains alive but controlled, held down under Shiva's foot eternally.
This gesture also reflects Shiva's compassion. He didn't destroy Apasmara, only subdued him, symbolising that divinity doesn't act with cruelty, but with wisdom and purpose.
The most iconic Nataraja statue is housed in the Chidambaram Temple in Tamil Nadu. Made of pure crystal quartz (Spatikam), the idol stands about three feet tall and is revered as ' Chidambara Rahasya '— the divine mystery. Here, Shiva is also worshipped in his formless presence as the Aakash Lingam (the element of space).
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First Published:
July 22, 2025, 13:11 IST
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