India: Nataraja (Shiva) dancing, surrounded by the Saptamatrikas (Seven Mothers), the Ravana Phadi cave temple dates from the 6th century CE, Aihole, Karnataka State, south India

Nataraja or Nataraj ('The Lord - or King - of Dance'; Tamil: Kooththan) is a depiction of the Hindu god Shiva as the cosmic dancer Koothan who performs his divine dance to destroy a weary universe and make preparations for god Brahma to start the process of creation.

Ravana Phadi cave temple is one of the oldest rock cut temples in Aihole and dates back to the 6th century CE. It is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. The cave contains a Shivalinga in the inner room or sanctum sanctorum. The sanctum has a vestibule with a triple entrance and has carved pillars. The walls and sides of the temple are covered with large figures including a figure of Nataraja (Shiva) dancing, surrounded by the Saptamatrikas (Seven Mothers).

Copyright:

CPA Media Co. Ltd.

Photographer:

David Henley

Credit:

Pictures From Asia