The cosmic dancer form of Shiva. Represents the five cosmic acts (Panchakritya): creation, preservation, destruction, concealment, and grace. Central deity of Chidambaram temple. The Tandava dance symbolizes cosmic cycles.
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.