Use the links above to see more photos.

Shiva as Nataraja -
Lord of the Dance

Shiva is not only a heavyweight in the Hindu pantheon, but he can kick ass on the dance floor as well. His dance is one of creation, sustenance and dissolution and wherever we look for this dance in our world, we find it.

One day Vishnu's serpent, Adisesha, entreated Shiva to dance. Shiva agreed and the time and place were set: the forest of Tillai in Tamil Nadu.

But the forest was guarded by none other than the Goddess Kali who refused permission. Shiva then challenges her to a dance competition - the winner gets the forest.

Kali lost. The temple in Chidambaram marks where that dance took place.