Shiva Nataraja ("The Lord of the Dance")

Sculpture of Shiva Nataraja ("The Lord of the Dance") for 3d printing.
The Dance of the Unity of Creation, Preservation, and Destruction takes place within a fiery circle (Prabha-mandala): this represents the cosmos, the universe, and the endless cycles of time. The right hand at the top holds a damaru (an hourglass-shaped drum that emits the first sounds of the world's creation). The left hand holds fire, which will destroy the universe. The right hand at the bottom is a sign of protection, fearlessness, and divine grace, offering protection from evil and ignorance. The snake symbolizes the curbing of the ego and sexual energy, as well as victory over death and passions.
The lower left hand points to a raised leg, symbolizing the liberation of the soul. Shiva's right foot tramples the dwarf demon, Apasmara Purusha (the illusion that leads humanity astray, ignorance, stupidity, and laziness): the victory of knowledge over ignorance and egoism. The third eye on the forehead symbolizes great wisdom and spiritual vision. The face expresses balance and transcendence of duality (life/death, joy/sorrow). And the Ganges is entangled in the hair…