What does the 'Apasmara' dwarf represent in the Nataraja icon?

It represents spiritual ignorance and ego, which Shiva suppresses during his dance of enlightenment.

Chola Sculpture & Art

UPSC Archival Analysis

Chola-era Nataraja bronze icons are characterized by having four hands, each signifying a different aspect of the cosmic cycle.

Exam Year

1995

Evidence Source

UPSC Level

ID: HIS_MED_1995_31 Ref: Ananda Coomaraswamy, The Dance of Shiva