The presiding deity of the Chidambaram Temple in Tamil Nadu. The cosmic dancer form of Shiva. Represents the five cosmic acts (Panchakritya): creation, preservation, destruction, concealment, and grace. The Tandava dance symbolizes cosmic cycles. Central to Shaiva Siddhanta.
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. Matted hair flying, Ganga and moon in hair.