Shiva Nataraja

Airakkal Mandapa, Minakshi Temple

This large Nataraja is exhibited on a raised platform in the thousand-pillared hall. A goddess, perhaps Minakshi, stands to Shiva's left. Dressed images like these are used in worship, giving a much different impression than the bare sculptures seen in museums. The pendant buds on the brackets (right and left of the platform) are lotus.