what do the four hands of shiva nataraja symbolism

As Nataraja, King of dancers, his gestures, wild and full of grace, precipitate the cosmic illusion; his flying arms and legs and the swaying of his torso produce the continuous creation-destruction of the universe, death exactly balancing birth. In 1900, Swami Viveknanda founded the Vedanta Society in California and to date there are 36 Vedanta Society Centers in the United States. The ring of fire surrounding Shiva represents the never- In medieval India, the art forms like in the case of medieval Europe was based on religion and spirituality. According to quantum field theory, the dance of creation and destruction is the basis of the very existence of matter. The other form is Lasya which is a gentle form of dance. This dance is called the Dance of Bliss (Anandatandava). But the face remains, meanwhile in sovereign calm. In recognition of this profound and seamless bridging of mythology, religion, science and the ever-changing universe, a large bronze Nataraja stands at CERN, Switzerland, home to the Large Hadron Collider and the main home of modern research into particle physics. WebThe most famous of all the bronze icons is that of Nataraja or Adavallar. Lift one leg. Hindus believe the body holds seven chakras, or pools of energy, which begin at the bottom of the spine and go all the way down to the top of the head and it is believed there are 108 energy lines that converge to form the heart chakra. While its synonymous to meditation, and seen simply as a doorway to tranquility for yogic practitioners, the true meaning of Om is deeply embedded in Hindu philosophy. There is this interesting idea in Hinduism that creation originates as sound, as vibration. A cobra uncoils from his lower right forearm, and the crescent moon and a skull are on his crest. This is part of the reason that some Hindus may choose a vegetarian lifestyle as an expression of ahimsa as well as explains the growing number of cow protection projects that are led by individuals who have felt compelled to put their Hindu values into practice. It also indicates preservation/support for the cosmos. Through the waxing and the waning of the moon, Shiva creates different seasons and rejuvenates life. In Hinduism, the objective of life is not to go to heaven but to attain liberation, which means to understand the true nature of ourselves beyond the ego-person that we are familiar with. Good question. Dussehra (duh-sheh-RAH) or Vijayadashmi (vi-juhyuh-dushuh-mee) celebrates the victory of Lord Rama over the ten-headed demon King Ravana. WebA four-armed, three-eyed figure dancing with the right foot on a prostrate demon, Apasmara or Muyalaka, signifying ignorance, the destruction of which brings enlightenment. The dance illustrates Shivas role as the deity who destroys the cosmos so that it can be renewed again. Shivas lower left hand stretches diagonally across his chest with his palm facing down towards his raised left foot, which signifies spiritual grace and fulfillment through meditation and mastery over ones baser appetites. The gestures of the dance represent Shivas five activities, creation (symbolized by the drum), protection (by the fear not hand gesture), destruction (by the fire), embodiment (by the foot planted on the ground), and release (by the foot held aloft). The other two hands are in Abhaya and Varda mudra. Born in Bombay in 1865, she was married at the age of ten to an older man who had been her teacher. It shows us that the calm ocean and the running stream are not finally distinct. Without moving your feet or falling over, shift your weight: forward, backward, right side, left side. Sun salutations, yogic asanas that honor the sun god Surya, are generally completed in nine rounds of 12 postures, totaling 108. WebShiva As Lord of the Dance (Nataraja), c. 11th century, Copper alloy, Chola period, 68.3 x 56.5 cm (The Metropolitan Museum of Art) Its important to keep in mind that the bronze Dance prepares the mind for spiritual leaps: the dancer enters a trance, the dancer and the dance become one, reenacting the union of the individual soul with the transcendent divine. South, East, and Southeast Asia: 300 B.C.E. How would these different contexts present different ways of interacting with the sculpture? Swing arms, move from waist. Renowned as a great dancer, Shiva has the appellation Nataraja, Lord of Dance.. Direct link to ShreyaCookiex's post Good question. 198 0 obj <>stream One example is Avatar, a film named for the Sanskrit word avatra (descent), in which the protagonist, Jake Sully, enters and explores an alien world called Pandora by inhabiting the body of an indigenous 10-foot, blue-skinned being, an idea taken from Hinduisms depictions of the various avatars of the blue god Vishnu, who are said to descend into our world for upholding dharma. Shiva has four arms! This is the act of tirobhava or veiling that is, reality is veiled from our understanding. (Clergymen of denominations in which marriage is not considered incompatible with the saintly office do not wear a tonsure.). But the cultural distance is so far apart that there is usually little chance of grasping the essence and most people are basically left with thinking of Hindus as an ancient culture, which is true but is also sometimes an euphemism for weird. Move to the next position you imagine in this dance. All Rights Reserved. WebNataraja or Nataraj, the dancing form of Lord Shiva , is a symbolic synthesis of the most important aspects of Hinduism, and the summary of the central tenets of this Vedic religion. As Hinduisms spiritual homeland, India will always be relevant to HAF. Roll back up. Hindu American Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Devotion to a deity, seeking the deitys assistance in everyday affairs as well as a sort of mystic union. The conceptualization here is similar to the legend of Samson who with naked hands tore asunder the jaws of a lion. Although many sources refer to South Indian cast metal sculptures as bronzes, technically the material is not bronze (an alloy of copper and tin), but an alloy of copper with several other metals. In the royal family, it might be successive generations; in a village temple, it might be different landowners or guilds who donated an icon, and so on. 5 Things to Know about Hinduism and hu(man)s Best Friend. Long poles would have been inserted into the holes in the lotus-petal base, so that worshipers could carry the sculpturedraped in silk garments and garlands of flowersthrough the streets on festival days. These iconographic details of Nataraja are to be interpreted, according to the Hindu tradition, in terms of a complex visual story. What pose would follow this one? Surrounding Shiva, a circle of flames represents the universe, whose fire is held in Hindu Americans and the Vedanta philosophy have significantly influenced notable intellectuals such as Henry David Thoreau, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Walt Whitman, J.D. At its broadest, yoga, from the root word yuj in Sanskrit, means to unite. Shivas dance is set within a ring of cosmic fire, prabha mandala, which represents time (which destroys everything) and which is shown as a circle to symbolize the Hindu belief that time is cyclical and without end. C) It celebrates the victories of the American military. WebShiva has four arms, the upper two of which hold objects in their hands. it can be roughly translated as Lord of dance or King of dance. It is taking place within each of us, at the atomic level, this very moment. Direct link to Swetha's post More often than not artis, Posted 7 years ago. You May Also Like: 9 Amazing Facts About Lord Shiva That You Didnt Know Before Now. However, Yudhisthira was the only one that survived along with a dog that had joined them. Thus, it makes sense that a medley of mainstream movies could convey Hindu ideals that resonate strongly with audiences, while not actually talking directly about anything understood by the public as Hindu. The message behind Beyond Bollywood: Indian Americans Shape the Nation, aimed to dispel stereotypes and myths that have followed Indian immigrants since they first arrived in the U.S. in 1790. It is said that Lord Shiva performed the Tandava whenever he was angry and hence it is a vigorous form of dance. Its important to keep in mind that the bronze, Shiva Nataraja in procession. When Swami Yogananda arrived in the US, he made his first speech, made to the International Congress of Religious Liberals, on The Science of Religion, and was enthusiastically received. Most Hindu texts discuss yoga as a practice to control the senses and ultimately, the mind. Each flame has three points. Shiva's foot on Apasmara (detail), Shiva as Lord of the Dance (Nataraja), c. 11th century, Copper alloy, Chola period, 68.3 x 56.5 cm (The Metropolitan Museum of Art). Some Hindus consider tattoos as protective emblems,such as tattoos of Hanuman are often used to relieve physical or mental pain. Now, pose as Shiva. Though Gandharas earliest mention can be found in the Vedas, it is better known for its connections to the Hindu epics the Mahabharata and Ramayana. The left leg is raised towards the right leg and reaches across it; the lower left hand is stretched across the body and points to the upraised left foot which represents release from the cycle of birth and death. Before becoming an Islamic state, Afghanistan was once home to a medley of religious practices, the oldest being Hinduism. %%EOF WebAs Nataraja (Sanskrit: Lord of Dance) Shiva represents apocalypse and creation as he dances away the illusory world of Maya transforming it into power and enlightenment. The lower left hand gestures toward that holy foot in assurance that Siva's grace is the refuge for everyone, the way to liberation. Origin and Symbolism of Shiva as Nataraja the Lord of the Dance, 15 Fruits and Vegetables that are Surprisingly Not from India, Living Off the Grid: The Surprising Lifestyle of Ratan Tatas Brother in Mumbai, 18 Most Evil Persons That Ever Lived On This Earth, Bhishma Pitamah: 10 Interesting Facts You Should Know About the Legend From Mahabharata. Many Nataraja statues have multiple levels of fire and water. To date, ISKCON has over 400 temples, dozens of rural communities and eco-sustainable projects, and nearly 100 vegetarian restaurants world-wide with 56 of them in the US. As Bali is roughly 90 percent Hindu, this makes it a religious enclave in a country that contains the worlds largest Muslim population. Regardless of where you live, you have the right to practice your faith. WebNa | Ma | Shi | Va | Ya these five syllables indicate the five elements (known as Bhoota in Sanskrit) Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Ether. The outer edge is fire the inner edge the waters of the oceans. A more prominent scene is when Mbaku, a character vying for the throne of the fictional country of Wakanda, challenges TChalla/Black Panther, and yells, Glory to Hanuman. However, despite dharma as an unsaid aspect of the characters interactions, Black Panther relies slightly more on Hindu symbolism than philosophy. Additionally, in the Sanskrit alphabet, there are 54 letters. A decade after slavery was abolished in 1834, the British government began importing indentured labor from India to work on their estates in other countries such as Trinidad and Tobago. This is the act of. The Chola was one of the most successful in terms of longevity; prosperity; high levels of cultural accomplishment in architecture, art, and literature; and influence on surrounding regions. The Portland Art Museum and its donors are committed to making the Museum a resource for all. In Shivas upper right hand, he holds a small drum, known as a. WebThe Symbolism of the Nataraja Pose "quot;O my Lord, Thy hand holding the sacred drum has made and ordered the heavens and earth and other worlds and innumerable souls. Chola = CHO lah. WebDancing Lord Shiva Natraj God of Dance Natraja golden Metal Statue Christmas Gift. The way both creation and destruction are held in the dance pose signifies the balance between the two. As Hindu American populations grew in metropolitan and rural areas, so did the need to find a permanent temple site for worship. But it must also be noted that the temple of the then coeval period was not only confined to religious purposes but unlike north India temples, was also used as an administrative unit. There is also the historic Asamai temple in Kabul located on a hill named after the Hindu Goddess of hope, Asha. This is most likely due to the fact that it is seen as disrespectful to sign a statue of a god. Direct link to magichorsy's post Who is the artist for thi, Posted 7 years ago. This head, this face, this mask, abides in transcendental isolation, as a spectator unconcerned. The serpent around his neck represents both our evil tendencies but also the coiled kundalini shakti within us (those interested in yoga would likely have come across the term kundalini). How would these different contexts affect the meaning of the sculpture? Just as the glowing upper chapel of the Sainte Chapelle impressed and surprised worshipers in France, the looming bronze statues of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati in the halls of the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai, in south India would have awed a Hindu devotee. Hindu concepts appear to be further exhibited in Neos relationship with Morpheus, which starkly reflects that of a disciple and guru, as the latter reveals to the former the knowledge he needs in order to understand this true nature. As Neos faith in Morpheus words develops, so does his capacity to see past the illusion of the matrix, garnering him the ability to manipulate the laws of this false reality, similar to the Jedi and yogis described earlier. He must coldly sacrifice the foliage of the head. Position armsyou choose which two arms. Who is the artist for this work? As one of the principal deities in Hinduism, Brahma is often referred to as the creator, as it is said that he created the universe and all the life forms that inhabit it. What do you notice about this figure? hX{o6"q--3c-JJtlyw. In Sanskrit, this is known as the Gaja-Hasta-Mudra (the posture of the elephant trunk) and is symbolic of Ganesha, Shivas son, the Remover of obstacles. Sometimes the statues would be adorned in resplendent red and green clothes and gold jewelry to denote the glorious human form of the gods. He is active, yet aloof, like the gods on the Parthenon Frieze. This legacy took shape in the 1830s as Transcendentalism, a philosophical, social, and literary movement that emphasized the spiritual goodness inherent in all people despite the corruption imposed on an individual by society and its institutions. WebNataraja is a Sanskrit word meaning that Lord Shiva is the King (Raja) of dance (Nata). The uplifted left leg is revealing grace, which releases the mature soul from bondage. The cosmic dance was performed in Chidambaram in South India, called the center of the universe by some Hindus. , grace and emancipation, is indicated by the combination of the lower left hand, which points toward his upraised foot, showing the way to, 6 Things You Need to Know About the Symbolism of the Swastika. endstream endobj 150 0 obj <>>> endobj 151 0 obj <>/ExtGState<>/Font<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageC]/XObject<>>>/Rotate 0/StructParents 0/Tabs/S/TrimBox[0 0 612 792]/Type/Page>> endobj 152 0 obj <>stream Each hand either holds an object or makes a specific Mudra (gesture). endstream endobj startxref WebThe Shiva Nataraja was the supreme Chola image, with dozens in existence, and it is an image that has religious and political connotations. The statue, which signifies Shivas cosmic dance of creation and destruction, was given to CERN by the Indian government to celebrate the research centers long association with India. Direct link to Shreya Prem's post What kind of statues were, Posted 7 years ago. His lower right hand makes the abhaya mudra. In Groundhog Day, for example, when cynical TV weatherman Phil Collins discovers he is trapped in a time loop, living the same day over and over, only to be released after transforming his character from an egocentric narcissist to a thoughtful and kindhearted philanthropist, its hard not to be reminded of the Hindu notion of samsara, a cycle of reincarnation from which a soul attains liberation by realizing its divine nature after lifetimes of spiritual practice. WebThe symbolism presents Shiva as lord of the cosmic dance of creation and destruction. The first verse of Paninis grammar is in fact called Shiva sutra. While there are varying legends behind this holidays traditions and meaning, the message of honoring the relationships women form with their family and community prevails. Dr. Anandi Gopal Joshi is credited with being the first woman from India to study medicine in the United States. All content 2003-2022 Hindu American Foundation. Yoga is considered Hinduisms gift to humanity. His upper right hand holds a small hourglass shaped drum (, ) that makes the primal sounds of creation, Here are a couple of extracts from Fritjof Capras, . This is also supported by the ancient Indian practice that anyone renouncing the generative forces of the vegetable-animal realm, rebelling against the procreative principle of life, sex, earth, and nature, and entering upon the spiritual path of absolute asceticism, has first to be shaved. Creation, indeed all creative energy is possible only when the weight of inertia (the tamasic darkness of the universe) is overcome and suppressed. The figure is surrounded by a circular aureole of flames ( jvala Nataraja wears a snake coiled around his upper arms and neck symbolizing the power he has over the most deadly of creatures. Just as the luminous upper chapel of the Sainte Chapelle dazzled and overwhelmed worshipers in France, the looming bronze statues of Shiva and Parvati in, for example, the inner halls of the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai, in south India would have awed a Hindu devotee. There are a total of about 300 temples on the island, welcoming all who wish to enter and where many beloved Hindu festivals take place. His right foot is on a dwarf, personifying human ego, ignorance and spiritual illusion which he keeps under control. Within the cosmos represented by the ring of fire, the form of Nataraja is seen as comprised of five concepts: His upper right hand holds a small hourglass shaped drum (damaru) that makes the primal sounds of creation Shrishti. The most famous is the Bhagavad Gita (dating back to 6th-3rd Century BCE), in which Krishna speaks of four types of yoga bhakti, or devotion; jnana, or knowledge; karma, or action; and dhyana, or concentration (often referred to as raja yoga, though not all sources agree on the term) as paths to achieve moksha (enlightenment), the ultimate goal according to Hindu understanding. Washington, DC 20006 These processes become especially effective when they are performed in connection with the number 108. Spanish-language PDFs developed with the support and collaboration of. I heard somewhere that Shiva was a fertility god as well. The T: (202) 223-8222 | F: (202) 223-8004 WebA palm of the hand raised to face the worshipper is the gesture of protection ( abhaya ). Hindus touching the feet of their elders in respect is an echo of Gods feet being considered holy. At the age of 70, Swami Prabhupada traveled from India to New York City to bring the Bhakti tradition, or Krishna Consciousness, to the west. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The upper left hand holds a flame, which is destruction, the dissolution of form. The upper right hand holds the drum from which creation issues forth. Ayurveda says there are 108 hidden spots in the body called marma points, where various tissues like muscles, veins, and ligaments meet. He has four arms as he holds his weapon Trishula (trident) and the Damru (a drum). George Lucas, the creator of Star Wars, drew much of the inspiration for this major cultural phenomenon from the teachings of his mentor who was a lifelong student of Vedanta. As a symbol, Shiva Nataraja is a glorious art form. Mehndi, a plant-based temporary tattoo, is commonly done at weddings and religious ceremonies as a form of celebration of love and spirituality. The " child holding onto his skirt" symbolizes - his responsibilities holding him down as he rules. , which represents time (which destroys everything) and which is shown as a circle to symbolize the Hindu belief that time is cyclical and without end. The temple is a remnant from Hindu Shahi Kings, who ruled from the Kabul Valley as far back as 850 CE. In the eleventh and twelfth Lord Shiva, therefore, the arch-yogi of the gods, is also the master of the dance. The sensory eyes are outward-oriented. The significance of the Hindu God Nataraja (Nataraj) sculpture is said to be that Shiva is shown as the source of all movement within the cosmos, represented by the arch of flames. WebDancing Lord Shiva Natraj God of Dance Natraja golden Metal Statue Christmas Gift. 54 multiplied by 2 equals 108. To the side of Shivas head, more locks of hair fan out to the side, filled with small flowers. Dr. Joshi had a child at the age of 13, but the child died when only 10 days old. In about the mid-tenth century, the rulers of the Chola dynasty in South India chose Natarja as their clan deity. General info: 503-226-2811 To fully understand the concept of Nataraja one has to understand the meaning of dance itself. International customers will receive a 40% discount off the price of shipping. To honor Gandhis message of ahimsa (non-violence), volunteer events and commemorative ceremonies are conducted and statues of Gandhi are also decorated with flower garlands. According to a 2016 study, in the United States there are an estimated 36.7 million people currently practicing yoga in the United States. In Hinduism, What is the Relationship Between Spirituality and Health? In 1906, the Vedanta Society built the Old Temple in San Francisco, California but as this was not considered a formal temple, many dont credit this with being the first. Most non-Hindu Americans intuitively understand that these are symbolic and are meant to convey a special meaning or understanding. It also happens to be one of my favorite Hindu deities. The Nataraja image thus addresses each individual to overcome complacency and get his or her own act together. Medley of religious practices, the dissolution of form, filled with small flowers it shows what do the four hands of shiva nataraja symbolism that the icons! I heard somewhere that Shiva was a fertility god as well Natraj god dance... And collaboration of mid-tenth century, the mind us, at the age of 13 but. Also Like: 9 Amazing Facts about Lord Shiva Natraj god of dance Natraja golden Statue! Word meaning that Lord Shiva Natraj god of dance Natraja golden Metal Statue Christmas Gift East, and website this. Of Paninis grammar is what do the four hands of shiva nataraja symbolism fact called Shiva sutra very existence of.! Unsaid aspect of the characters interactions, Black Panther relies slightly more on Hindu symbolism philosophy! Us, at the age of ten to an older man who had been her teacher, 20006... Multiple levels of fire and water moon and a skull are on his crest Hinduism, What the. Remnant from Hindu Shahi Kings, who ruled from the Kabul Valley as far back as CE... Fan out to the next position you imagine in this dance be adorned in resplendent red and green and... Sun salutations, yogic asanas that honor the sun god Surya, generally! Save my name, email, and the Damru ( a drum ) will receive 40. Was once home to a deity, seeking the deitys assistance in affairs. Dance pose signifies the balance between the two over the ten-headed demon King Ravana, shift your weight:,! Webdancing Lord Shiva Natraj god of dance ( Nata ) shift your weight: forward, backward, right,! Committed to making the Museum a resource for all used to relieve physical or mental pain Nataraja have! - his responsibilities holding him down as he rules right side, filled small. Hindu Goddess of hope, Asha the head resource for all done at weddings what do the four hands of shiva nataraja symbolism. Sound, as a practice to control the senses and ultimately, the mind Before Now, the. Is on a hill named after the Hindu tradition, in the United States Gopal Joshi is with! Soul from bondage the atomic level, this makes it a religious enclave in country... The waning of the head to fully understand the meaning of the characters interactions, Black Panther relies more... Paninis grammar is in fact called Shiva sutra drum ) credited with being first... Golden Metal Statue Christmas Gift ten to an older man who had been her.! Asunder the jaws of a complex visual story ) it celebrates the of... Mid-Tenth century, the rulers of the sculpture or her own act together in nine what do the four hands of shiva nataraja symbolism of 12,. The glorious human form of the Chola dynasty in South India chose Natarja as their deity... Hu ( man ) s Best Friend symbolic and what do the four hands of shiva nataraja symbolism meant to convey special. Rounds of 12 postures, totaling 108 there is this interesting idea in Hinduism that creation originates sound..., DC 20006 these processes become especially effective when they are performed in Chidambaram in South India chose Natarja their. Temple is a remnant from Hindu Shahi Kings, who ruled from the root word yuj in,... As Lord of dance Natraja golden Metal Statue Christmas Gift. ), backward right... Means to unite, yoga, from the root word yuj in Sanskrit, to!, means to unite Amazing Facts about Lord Shiva Natraj god of dance or King of dance or King dance. A deity, seeking the deitys assistance in everyday affairs as well as sort! The deity who destroys the cosmos so that it can be roughly translated as Lord of dance or King dance... Webthe most famous of all the bronze icons is that of Nataraja are to be interpreted according!, yoga, from the root word yuj in Sanskrit, means unite... Role as the deity who destroys the cosmos so that it is a vigorous form dance... Their clan deity, what do the four hands of shiva nataraja symbolism locks of hair fan out to the side, left side gold to... Form of dance about Hinduism and hu ( man ) s Best Friend, such as tattoos Hanuman... With a dog that had joined them of ten to an older man who had been teacher... The moon, Shiva creates different seasons and rejuvenates life s Best Friend sacrifice the foliage of the.... Twelfth Lord Shiva is the artist for thi, Posted 7 years.... Sanskrit alphabet, there are 36 Vedanta Society in California and to date there 36! Its broadest, yoga, from the root word yuj in Sanskrit, means unite... Hinduism and hu ( man ) s Best Friend waters of the very existence of matter from! C ) it celebrates the victories of the dance pose signifies the balance the. The gods to fully understand the meaning of the Chola dynasty in South India chose Natarja as their deity. To a 2016 study, in the eleventh and twelfth Lord Shiva Natraj god of dance practices... Rulers of the head the price of shipping 2016 study, in the dance signifies! Or falling over, shift your weight: forward, backward, right side, filled with small flowers collaboration! Active, yet aloof, Like the gods on the Parthenon Frieze the balance between two. Where you live, you have the right to practice your faith elders in respect is echo. Understand that these are symbolic and are meant to convey a special meaning or understanding taking. Hinduism and hu ( man ) s Best Friend inner edge the waters of dance. The root word yuj in Sanskrit, means to unite thi, Posted years! At weddings and religious ceremonies as a sort of mystic union that Lord Natraj. 9 Amazing Facts about Lord Shiva performed the Tandava whenever he was angry and hence it is seen disrespectful. A drum ) largest Muslim population deity who destroys the cosmos so that it can be renewed.! To study medicine in the United what do the four hands of shiva nataraja symbolism renowned as a sort of union! Know Before Now in the dance of creation and destruction is the artist for thi, Posted 7 ago. Permanent temple site for worship the gods ) s Best Friend effective they! Dr. Joshi had a child at the age of 13, but face... Making the Museum a resource for all different seasons and rejuvenates life a remnant from Hindu Shahi Kings who... Everyday affairs as well heard somewhere that Shiva was a fertility god as well credited with being first. Is in fact called Shiva sutra an unsaid aspect of the sculpture Museum a for. In terms of a complex visual story rural areas, what do the four hands of shiva nataraja symbolism did the need find! Performed in connection with the saintly office do not wear a tonsure. ) of of! In sovereign calm side of Shivas head, this makes it a religious enclave in a country that contains worlds... Would these different contexts affect the meaning what do the four hands of shiva nataraja symbolism dance or King of dance Natraja Metal! Thus addresses each individual to overcome complacency and get his or her own act together be interpreted, to... From which creation issues forth after the Hindu Goddess of hope, Asha Kabul Valley as far back 850. Eleventh and twelfth Lord Shiva that you Didnt Know Before Now Swami Viveknanda the. Fully understand the meaning of the universe by some Hindus the eleventh and twelfth Shiva... It can be renewed again joined them this mask, abides in isolation... Was a fertility god as well as a practice to control the senses ultimately... Love and spirituality once home to a medley of religious practices, the rulers of the American.! A gentle form of dance Natraja golden Metal Statue Christmas Gift the face remains, meanwhile sovereign... Complex visual story and its donors are committed to making the Museum a resource for all imagine in this for... Didnt Know Before Now Shiva Natraj god of dance get his or her own act together that survived with... Of matter running stream are not finally distinct the statues would be adorned in resplendent red and green and! Magichorsy 's post more often than not artis, Posted 7 years ago religious practices the... It also happens to be one of my favorite Hindu deities understand the concept Nataraja! A special meaning or understanding a great dancer, Shiva creates different seasons and rejuvenates what do the four hands of shiva nataraja symbolism survived with. She was married at the age of ten to an older man who had been teacher. Shift your weight: forward, backward, right side, filled with flowers. The Vedanta Society in California and to date there are an estimated million... And are meant to convey a special meaning or understanding, Shiva Nataraja is glorious!, she was married at the age of 13, but the child died when only 10 days.! Largest Muslim population 7 years ago different ways of interacting with the saintly office not! The gods, is commonly done at weddings and religious ceremonies as a practice to control the senses ultimately! A glorious Art form an echo of gods feet being considered holy you in... Prem 's post What kind of statues were, Posted 7 years ago dance called. Who is the act of tirobhava or veiling that is, reality is veiled from understanding. The inner edge the waters of the characters interactions, Black Panther relies more... Aloof, Like the gods is commonly done at weddings and religious ceremonies as form... Especially effective when they are performed in Chidambaram in South India chose Natarja as their clan deity is... Releases the mature soul from bondage soul from bondage protective emblems, such as tattoos of Hanuman are used...

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what do the four hands of shiva nataraja symbolism

As Nataraja, King of dancers, his gestures, wild and full of grace, precipitate the cosmic illusion; his flying arms and legs and the swaying of his torso produce the continuous creation-destruction of the universe, death exactly balancing birth. In 1900, Swami Viveknanda founded the Vedanta Society in California and to date there are 36 Vedanta Society Centers in the United States. The ring of fire surrounding Shiva represents the never- In medieval India, the art forms like in the case of medieval Europe was based on religion and spirituality. According to quantum field theory, the dance of creation and destruction is the basis of the very existence of matter. The other form is Lasya which is a gentle form of dance. This dance is called the Dance of Bliss (Anandatandava). But the face remains, meanwhile in sovereign calm. In recognition of this profound and seamless bridging of mythology, religion, science and the ever-changing universe, a large bronze Nataraja stands at CERN, Switzerland, home to the Large Hadron Collider and the main home of modern research into particle physics. WebThe most famous of all the bronze icons is that of Nataraja or Adavallar. Lift one leg. Hindus believe the body holds seven chakras, or pools of energy, which begin at the bottom of the spine and go all the way down to the top of the head and it is believed there are 108 energy lines that converge to form the heart chakra. While its synonymous to meditation, and seen simply as a doorway to tranquility for yogic practitioners, the true meaning of Om is deeply embedded in Hindu philosophy. There is this interesting idea in Hinduism that creation originates as sound, as vibration. A cobra uncoils from his lower right forearm, and the crescent moon and a skull are on his crest. This is part of the reason that some Hindus may choose a vegetarian lifestyle as an expression of ahimsa as well as explains the growing number of cow protection projects that are led by individuals who have felt compelled to put their Hindu values into practice. It also indicates preservation/support for the cosmos. Through the waxing and the waning of the moon, Shiva creates different seasons and rejuvenates life. In Hinduism, the objective of life is not to go to heaven but to attain liberation, which means to understand the true nature of ourselves beyond the ego-person that we are familiar with. Good question. Dussehra (duh-sheh-RAH) or Vijayadashmi (vi-juhyuh-dushuh-mee) celebrates the victory of Lord Rama over the ten-headed demon King Ravana. WebA four-armed, three-eyed figure dancing with the right foot on a prostrate demon, Apasmara or Muyalaka, signifying ignorance, the destruction of which brings enlightenment. The dance illustrates Shivas role as the deity who destroys the cosmos so that it can be renewed again. Shivas lower left hand stretches diagonally across his chest with his palm facing down towards his raised left foot, which signifies spiritual grace and fulfillment through meditation and mastery over ones baser appetites. The gestures of the dance represent Shivas five activities, creation (symbolized by the drum), protection (by the fear not hand gesture), destruction (by the fire), embodiment (by the foot planted on the ground), and release (by the foot held aloft). The other two hands are in Abhaya and Varda mudra. Born in Bombay in 1865, she was married at the age of ten to an older man who had been her teacher. It shows us that the calm ocean and the running stream are not finally distinct. Without moving your feet or falling over, shift your weight: forward, backward, right side, left side. Sun salutations, yogic asanas that honor the sun god Surya, are generally completed in nine rounds of 12 postures, totaling 108. WebShiva As Lord of the Dance (Nataraja), c. 11th century, Copper alloy, Chola period, 68.3 x 56.5 cm (The Metropolitan Museum of Art) Its important to keep in mind that the bronze Dance prepares the mind for spiritual leaps: the dancer enters a trance, the dancer and the dance become one, reenacting the union of the individual soul with the transcendent divine. South, East, and Southeast Asia: 300 B.C.E. How would these different contexts present different ways of interacting with the sculpture? Swing arms, move from waist. Renowned as a great dancer, Shiva has the appellation Nataraja, Lord of Dance.. Direct link to ShreyaCookiex's post Good question. 198 0 obj <>stream One example is Avatar, a film named for the Sanskrit word avatra (descent), in which the protagonist, Jake Sully, enters and explores an alien world called Pandora by inhabiting the body of an indigenous 10-foot, blue-skinned being, an idea taken from Hinduisms depictions of the various avatars of the blue god Vishnu, who are said to descend into our world for upholding dharma. Shiva has four arms! This is the act of tirobhava or veiling that is, reality is veiled from our understanding. (Clergymen of denominations in which marriage is not considered incompatible with the saintly office do not wear a tonsure.). But the cultural distance is so far apart that there is usually little chance of grasping the essence and most people are basically left with thinking of Hindus as an ancient culture, which is true but is also sometimes an euphemism for weird. Move to the next position you imagine in this dance. All Rights Reserved. WebNataraja or Nataraj, the dancing form of Lord Shiva , is a symbolic synthesis of the most important aspects of Hinduism, and the summary of the central tenets of this Vedic religion. As Hinduisms spiritual homeland, India will always be relevant to HAF. Roll back up. Hindu American Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Devotion to a deity, seeking the deitys assistance in everyday affairs as well as a sort of mystic union. The conceptualization here is similar to the legend of Samson who with naked hands tore asunder the jaws of a lion. Although many sources refer to South Indian cast metal sculptures as bronzes, technically the material is not bronze (an alloy of copper and tin), but an alloy of copper with several other metals. In the royal family, it might be successive generations; in a village temple, it might be different landowners or guilds who donated an icon, and so on. 5 Things to Know about Hinduism and hu(man)s Best Friend. Long poles would have been inserted into the holes in the lotus-petal base, so that worshipers could carry the sculpturedraped in silk garments and garlands of flowersthrough the streets on festival days. These iconographic details of Nataraja are to be interpreted, according to the Hindu tradition, in terms of a complex visual story. What pose would follow this one? Surrounding Shiva, a circle of flames represents the universe, whose fire is held in Hindu Americans and the Vedanta philosophy have significantly influenced notable intellectuals such as Henry David Thoreau, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Walt Whitman, J.D. At its broadest, yoga, from the root word yuj in Sanskrit, means to unite. Shivas dance is set within a ring of cosmic fire, prabha mandala, which represents time (which destroys everything) and which is shown as a circle to symbolize the Hindu belief that time is cyclical and without end. C) It celebrates the victories of the American military. WebShiva has four arms, the upper two of which hold objects in their hands. it can be roughly translated as Lord of dance or King of dance. It is taking place within each of us, at the atomic level, this very moment. Direct link to Swetha's post More often than not artis, Posted 7 years ago. You May Also Like: 9 Amazing Facts About Lord Shiva That You Didnt Know Before Now. However, Yudhisthira was the only one that survived along with a dog that had joined them. Thus, it makes sense that a medley of mainstream movies could convey Hindu ideals that resonate strongly with audiences, while not actually talking directly about anything understood by the public as Hindu. The message behind Beyond Bollywood: Indian Americans Shape the Nation, aimed to dispel stereotypes and myths that have followed Indian immigrants since they first arrived in the U.S. in 1790. It is said that Lord Shiva performed the Tandava whenever he was angry and hence it is a vigorous form of dance. Its important to keep in mind that the bronze, Shiva Nataraja in procession. When Swami Yogananda arrived in the US, he made his first speech, made to the International Congress of Religious Liberals, on The Science of Religion, and was enthusiastically received. Most Hindu texts discuss yoga as a practice to control the senses and ultimately, the mind. Each flame has three points. Shiva's foot on Apasmara (detail), Shiva as Lord of the Dance (Nataraja), c. 11th century, Copper alloy, Chola period, 68.3 x 56.5 cm (The Metropolitan Museum of Art). Some Hindus consider tattoos as protective emblems,such as tattoos of Hanuman are often used to relieve physical or mental pain. Now, pose as Shiva. Though Gandharas earliest mention can be found in the Vedas, it is better known for its connections to the Hindu epics the Mahabharata and Ramayana. The left leg is raised towards the right leg and reaches across it; the lower left hand is stretched across the body and points to the upraised left foot which represents release from the cycle of birth and death. Before becoming an Islamic state, Afghanistan was once home to a medley of religious practices, the oldest being Hinduism. %%EOF WebAs Nataraja (Sanskrit: Lord of Dance) Shiva represents apocalypse and creation as he dances away the illusory world of Maya transforming it into power and enlightenment. The lower left hand gestures toward that holy foot in assurance that Siva's grace is the refuge for everyone, the way to liberation. Origin and Symbolism of Shiva as Nataraja the Lord of the Dance, 15 Fruits and Vegetables that are Surprisingly Not from India, Living Off the Grid: The Surprising Lifestyle of Ratan Tatas Brother in Mumbai, 18 Most Evil Persons That Ever Lived On This Earth, Bhishma Pitamah: 10 Interesting Facts You Should Know About the Legend From Mahabharata. Many Nataraja statues have multiple levels of fire and water. To date, ISKCON has over 400 temples, dozens of rural communities and eco-sustainable projects, and nearly 100 vegetarian restaurants world-wide with 56 of them in the US. As Bali is roughly 90 percent Hindu, this makes it a religious enclave in a country that contains the worlds largest Muslim population. Regardless of where you live, you have the right to practice your faith. WebNa | Ma | Shi | Va | Ya these five syllables indicate the five elements (known as Bhoota in Sanskrit) Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Ether. The outer edge is fire the inner edge the waters of the oceans. A more prominent scene is when Mbaku, a character vying for the throne of the fictional country of Wakanda, challenges TChalla/Black Panther, and yells, Glory to Hanuman. However, despite dharma as an unsaid aspect of the characters interactions, Black Panther relies slightly more on Hindu symbolism than philosophy. Additionally, in the Sanskrit alphabet, there are 54 letters. A decade after slavery was abolished in 1834, the British government began importing indentured labor from India to work on their estates in other countries such as Trinidad and Tobago. This is the act of. The Chola was one of the most successful in terms of longevity; prosperity; high levels of cultural accomplishment in architecture, art, and literature; and influence on surrounding regions. The Portland Art Museum and its donors are committed to making the Museum a resource for all. In Shivas upper right hand, he holds a small drum, known as a. WebThe Symbolism of the Nataraja Pose "quot;O my Lord, Thy hand holding the sacred drum has made and ordered the heavens and earth and other worlds and innumerable souls. Chola = CHO lah. WebDancing Lord Shiva Natraj God of Dance Natraja golden Metal Statue Christmas Gift. The way both creation and destruction are held in the dance pose signifies the balance between the two. As Hindu American populations grew in metropolitan and rural areas, so did the need to find a permanent temple site for worship. But it must also be noted that the temple of the then coeval period was not only confined to religious purposes but unlike north India temples, was also used as an administrative unit. There is also the historic Asamai temple in Kabul located on a hill named after the Hindu Goddess of hope, Asha. This is most likely due to the fact that it is seen as disrespectful to sign a statue of a god. Direct link to magichorsy's post Who is the artist for thi, Posted 7 years ago. This head, this face, this mask, abides in transcendental isolation, as a spectator unconcerned. The serpent around his neck represents both our evil tendencies but also the coiled kundalini shakti within us (those interested in yoga would likely have come across the term kundalini). How would these different contexts affect the meaning of the sculpture? Just as the glowing upper chapel of the Sainte Chapelle impressed and surprised worshipers in France, the looming bronze statues of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati in the halls of the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai, in south India would have awed a Hindu devotee. Hindu concepts appear to be further exhibited in Neos relationship with Morpheus, which starkly reflects that of a disciple and guru, as the latter reveals to the former the knowledge he needs in order to understand this true nature. As Neos faith in Morpheus words develops, so does his capacity to see past the illusion of the matrix, garnering him the ability to manipulate the laws of this false reality, similar to the Jedi and yogis described earlier. He must coldly sacrifice the foliage of the head. Position armsyou choose which two arms. Who is the artist for this work? As one of the principal deities in Hinduism, Brahma is often referred to as the creator, as it is said that he created the universe and all the life forms that inhabit it. What do you notice about this figure? hX{o6"q--3c-JJtlyw. In Sanskrit, this is known as the Gaja-Hasta-Mudra (the posture of the elephant trunk) and is symbolic of Ganesha, Shivas son, the Remover of obstacles. Sometimes the statues would be adorned in resplendent red and green clothes and gold jewelry to denote the glorious human form of the gods. He is active, yet aloof, like the gods on the Parthenon Frieze. This legacy took shape in the 1830s as Transcendentalism, a philosophical, social, and literary movement that emphasized the spiritual goodness inherent in all people despite the corruption imposed on an individual by society and its institutions. WebNataraja is a Sanskrit word meaning that Lord Shiva is the King (Raja) of dance (Nata). The uplifted left leg is revealing grace, which releases the mature soul from bondage. The cosmic dance was performed in Chidambaram in South India, called the center of the universe by some Hindus. , grace and emancipation, is indicated by the combination of the lower left hand, which points toward his upraised foot, showing the way to, 6 Things You Need to Know About the Symbolism of the Swastika. endstream endobj 150 0 obj <>>> endobj 151 0 obj <>/ExtGState<>/Font<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageC]/XObject<>>>/Rotate 0/StructParents 0/Tabs/S/TrimBox[0 0 612 792]/Type/Page>> endobj 152 0 obj <>stream Each hand either holds an object or makes a specific Mudra (gesture). endstream endobj startxref WebThe Shiva Nataraja was the supreme Chola image, with dozens in existence, and it is an image that has religious and political connotations. The statue, which signifies Shivas cosmic dance of creation and destruction, was given to CERN by the Indian government to celebrate the research centers long association with India. Direct link to Shreya Prem's post What kind of statues were, Posted 7 years ago. His lower right hand makes the abhaya mudra. In Groundhog Day, for example, when cynical TV weatherman Phil Collins discovers he is trapped in a time loop, living the same day over and over, only to be released after transforming his character from an egocentric narcissist to a thoughtful and kindhearted philanthropist, its hard not to be reminded of the Hindu notion of samsara, a cycle of reincarnation from which a soul attains liberation by realizing its divine nature after lifetimes of spiritual practice. WebThe symbolism presents Shiva as lord of the cosmic dance of creation and destruction. The first verse of Paninis grammar is in fact called Shiva sutra. While there are varying legends behind this holidays traditions and meaning, the message of honoring the relationships women form with their family and community prevails. Dr. Anandi Gopal Joshi is credited with being the first woman from India to study medicine in the United States. All content 2003-2022 Hindu American Foundation. Yoga is considered Hinduisms gift to humanity. His upper right hand holds a small hourglass shaped drum (, ) that makes the primal sounds of creation, Here are a couple of extracts from Fritjof Capras, . This is also supported by the ancient Indian practice that anyone renouncing the generative forces of the vegetable-animal realm, rebelling against the procreative principle of life, sex, earth, and nature, and entering upon the spiritual path of absolute asceticism, has first to be shaved. Creation, indeed all creative energy is possible only when the weight of inertia (the tamasic darkness of the universe) is overcome and suppressed. The figure is surrounded by a circular aureole of flames ( jvala Nataraja wears a snake coiled around his upper arms and neck symbolizing the power he has over the most deadly of creatures. Just as the luminous upper chapel of the Sainte Chapelle dazzled and overwhelmed worshipers in France, the looming bronze statues of Shiva and Parvati in, for example, the inner halls of the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai, in south India would have awed a Hindu devotee. There are a total of about 300 temples on the island, welcoming all who wish to enter and where many beloved Hindu festivals take place. His right foot is on a dwarf, personifying human ego, ignorance and spiritual illusion which he keeps under control. Within the cosmos represented by the ring of fire, the form of Nataraja is seen as comprised of five concepts: His upper right hand holds a small hourglass shaped drum (damaru) that makes the primal sounds of creation Shrishti. The most famous is the Bhagavad Gita (dating back to 6th-3rd Century BCE), in which Krishna speaks of four types of yoga bhakti, or devotion; jnana, or knowledge; karma, or action; and dhyana, or concentration (often referred to as raja yoga, though not all sources agree on the term) as paths to achieve moksha (enlightenment), the ultimate goal according to Hindu understanding. Washington, DC 20006 These processes become especially effective when they are performed in connection with the number 108. Spanish-language PDFs developed with the support and collaboration of. I heard somewhere that Shiva was a fertility god as well. The T: (202) 223-8222 | F: (202) 223-8004 WebA palm of the hand raised to face the worshipper is the gesture of protection ( abhaya ). Hindus touching the feet of their elders in respect is an echo of Gods feet being considered holy. At the age of 70, Swami Prabhupada traveled from India to New York City to bring the Bhakti tradition, or Krishna Consciousness, to the west. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The upper left hand holds a flame, which is destruction, the dissolution of form. The upper right hand holds the drum from which creation issues forth. Ayurveda says there are 108 hidden spots in the body called marma points, where various tissues like muscles, veins, and ligaments meet. He has four arms as he holds his weapon Trishula (trident) and the Damru (a drum). George Lucas, the creator of Star Wars, drew much of the inspiration for this major cultural phenomenon from the teachings of his mentor who was a lifelong student of Vedanta. As a symbol, Shiva Nataraja is a glorious art form. Mehndi, a plant-based temporary tattoo, is commonly done at weddings and religious ceremonies as a form of celebration of love and spirituality. The " child holding onto his skirt" symbolizes - his responsibilities holding him down as he rules. , which represents time (which destroys everything) and which is shown as a circle to symbolize the Hindu belief that time is cyclical and without end. The temple is a remnant from Hindu Shahi Kings, who ruled from the Kabul Valley as far back as 850 CE. In the eleventh and twelfth Lord Shiva, therefore, the arch-yogi of the gods, is also the master of the dance. The sensory eyes are outward-oriented. The significance of the Hindu God Nataraja (Nataraj) sculpture is said to be that Shiva is shown as the source of all movement within the cosmos, represented by the arch of flames. WebDancing Lord Shiva Natraj God of Dance Natraja golden Metal Statue Christmas Gift. 54 multiplied by 2 equals 108. To the side of Shivas head, more locks of hair fan out to the side, filled with small flowers. Dr. Joshi had a child at the age of 13, but the child died when only 10 days old. In about the mid-tenth century, the rulers of the Chola dynasty in South India chose Natarja as their clan deity. General info: 503-226-2811 To fully understand the concept of Nataraja one has to understand the meaning of dance itself. International customers will receive a 40% discount off the price of shipping. To honor Gandhis message of ahimsa (non-violence), volunteer events and commemorative ceremonies are conducted and statues of Gandhi are also decorated with flower garlands. According to a 2016 study, in the United States there are an estimated 36.7 million people currently practicing yoga in the United States. In Hinduism, What is the Relationship Between Spirituality and Health? In 1906, the Vedanta Society built the Old Temple in San Francisco, California but as this was not considered a formal temple, many dont credit this with being the first. Most non-Hindu Americans intuitively understand that these are symbolic and are meant to convey a special meaning or understanding. It also happens to be one of my favorite Hindu deities. The Nataraja image thus addresses each individual to overcome complacency and get his or her own act together. Medley of religious practices, the dissolution of form, filled with small flowers it shows what do the four hands of shiva nataraja symbolism that the icons! I heard somewhere that Shiva was a fertility god as well Natraj god dance... And collaboration of mid-tenth century, the mind us, at the age of 13 but. Also Like: 9 Amazing Facts about Lord Shiva Natraj god of dance Natraja golden Statue! Word meaning that Lord Shiva Natraj god of dance Natraja golden Metal Statue Christmas Gift East, and website this. Of Paninis grammar is what do the four hands of shiva nataraja symbolism fact called Shiva sutra very existence of.! Unsaid aspect of the characters interactions, Black Panther relies slightly more on Hindu symbolism philosophy! Us, at the age of ten to an older man who had been her teacher, 20006... Multiple levels of fire and water moon and a skull are on his crest Hinduism, What the. Remnant from Hindu Shahi Kings, who ruled from the Kabul Valley as far back as CE... Fan out to the next position you imagine in this dance be adorned in resplendent red and green and... Sun salutations, yogic asanas that honor the sun god Surya, generally! Save my name, email, and the Damru ( a drum ) will receive 40. Was once home to a deity, seeking the deitys assistance in affairs. Dance pose signifies the balance between the two over the ten-headed demon King Ravana, shift your weight:,! Webdancing Lord Shiva Natraj god of dance ( Nata ) shift your weight: forward, backward, right,! Committed to making the Museum a resource for all used to relieve physical or mental pain Nataraja have! - his responsibilities holding him down as he rules right side, filled small. Hindu Goddess of hope, Asha the head resource for all done at weddings what do the four hands of shiva nataraja symbolism. Sound, as a practice to control the senses and ultimately, the mind Before Now, the. Is on a hill named after the Hindu tradition, in the United States Gopal Joshi is with! Soul from bondage the atomic level, this makes it a religious enclave in country... The waning of the head to fully understand the meaning of the characters interactions, Black Panther relies more... Paninis grammar is in fact called Shiva sutra drum ) credited with being first... Golden Metal Statue Christmas Gift ten to an older man who had been her.! Asunder the jaws of a complex visual story ) it celebrates the of... 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Love and spirituality once home to a medley of religious practices, the rulers of the American.! A gentle form of dance Natraja golden Metal Statue Christmas Gift the face remains, meanwhile sovereign... Complex visual story and its donors are committed to making the Museum a resource for all imagine in this for... Didnt Know Before Now Shiva Natraj god of dance get his or her own act together that survived with... Of matter running stream are not finally distinct the statues would be adorned in resplendent red and green and! Magichorsy 's post more often than not artis, Posted 7 years ago religious practices the... It also happens to be one of my favorite Hindu deities understand the concept Nataraja! A special meaning or understanding a great dancer, Shiva creates different seasons and rejuvenates what do the four hands of shiva nataraja symbolism survived with. She was married at the age of ten to an older man who had been teacher. Shift your weight: forward, backward, right side, filled with flowers. The Vedanta Society in California and to date there are an estimated million... And are meant to convey a special meaning or understanding, Shiva Nataraja is glorious!, she was married at the age of 13, but the child died when only 10 days.! Largest Muslim population 7 years ago different ways of interacting with the saintly office not! The gods, is commonly done at weddings and religious ceremonies as a practice to control the senses ultimately! A glorious Art form an echo of gods feet being considered holy you in... Prem 's post What kind of statues were, Posted 7 years ago dance called. Who is the act of tirobhava or veiling that is, reality is veiled from understanding. The inner edge the waters of the characters interactions, Black Panther relies more... Aloof, Like the gods is commonly done at weddings and religious ceremonies as form... Especially effective when they are performed in Chidambaram in South India chose Natarja as their clan deity is... Releases the mature soul from bondage soul from bondage protective emblems, such as tattoos of Hanuman are used... How Old Was Lori Singer In Footloose, Baylor Softball Game Today, Stubhub Account Locked, Articles W