The cosmic dancer form of Shiva, most famously enshrined at Chidambaram. Represents the five cosmic acts (Panchakritya): creation, preservation, destruction, concealment, and grace. The Tandava dance symbolizes the cosmic cycles of creation and dissolution.
Four-armed dancing form. Right foot on Apasmara (dwarf of ignorance), left leg raised. Upper right hand holds damaru, upper left holds fire. Lower right in abhaya mudra, lower left points to raised foot. Enclosed in ring of fire (prabha mandala). Matted hair flying, Ganga and moon in hair.