Nataraja 3 -The Awesome Dance Posture

When Nataraja stood still in an awesome posture, Perfect and complete, His left leg raised high, His foot pointing upwards, As if ready to step on a big mountain, As if in search of higher knowledge, As if to open the gates of heaven, It was an indication of supreme wisdom! When Nataraja stamped on a dwarf With his right foot firmly Squeezing and freezing ‘Muyalakan, An ignorant fool, A despicable demon, An unworthy being, His purpose was to remove darkness from this world, His objective to bring in the bright light of knowledge! When Nataraja's four hands opened and spread out Like the branches of the world Tree! It was a display of His four ‘Hastas' or hands! So scintillating and meaningful! The right hand with ‘Damaru'- the drum, A symbol of sound, speech and song! The left hand holding a ball of fire - A sign of destruction and demolition of evil! When Nataraja opened his right hand into a serene gesture, It was to protect the good, To bless the devotees! The left hand stretched fully crossing over to the other side, While the fingers dropped down freely, It was a sign of humility and benevolence, Removed of all barriers and bonds, Stretching itself towards the bliss of salvation!