In the grand bronze sculptures of Chola period Nataraja, physicists like Fritjof Capra found the visual representation of modern quantum field theory. Shiva’s dance is the continuous creation and dissolution of elementary subatomic particles.
Holding the Damaru (cosmic sound vibration) in his upper right hand, he sounds the primordial pulse of space-time. In his upper left hand burns Agni, the flame of cosmic dissolution. His lower right hand extends Abhaya Mudra (protection), while his foot crushes Apasmara—the demon of ignorance and forgetfulness of our true divine nature.