The Śiva Nataraja Shrine site is a wooded hilltop overlooking the Light Of Truth Universal Shrine (LOTUS) and the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The site is known as Kailash, named after the holy abode of Śiva in the Himalayas. Dedicated on 29 March 1991, the shrine houses a seven-foot bronze statue, generously donated by Sri Dr. Karan Singh and his wife Princess Yasho.
Śiva, the King of Cosmic Dance, dances within a flaming halo symbolizing the Pranava OM. On Nataraja’s right ear is a man’s earring and on the left ear is a woman’s earring, showing that Nataraja is both male and female. The cobras that coil around the hair and body represent the cosmic force of Śiva, the Supreme Yogi.
Nataraja’s Panchakriya, or five-fold activities, are represented by:
- Hand holding drum = for evolution through sound
- Hand in Abhaya Mudra = the “fear not” seal for preservation
- Right leg resting on Muyalaka = the subduing of the deluded egoistic soul that has suffered enough and cries for salvation
- Hand pointing to the raised left foot = the grace that saves the soul that comes to Śiva’s Feet
- Hand holding fire = for ultimate dissolution
As long as we remain in ignorance, we go through suffering under Nataraja’s foot. Then, when we cry for enlightenment, Nataraja says, “Fear not. Come unto my raised foot and you will be saved.” OM Shanti, Shanti, Shanti