Chapter 27 Lord Krsna's Instructions on Diety Worship (Udhav Gita)

Symbolism of Nataraj: The Dancing Shiva

Nataraja 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. The term 'Nataraj' means 'King of Dancers' (Sanskrit nata = dance; raja = king). In the words of Ananda K. Coomaraswamy, Nataraj is the "clearest image of the activity of God which any art or religion can boast of…A more fluid and energetic representation of a moving figure than the dancing figure of Shiva can scarcely be found anywhere," ( The Dance of Shiva ) The Origin of the Nataraj Form: An extraordinary iconographic representation of the rich and diverse cultural heritage of India, it was developed in southern India by 9th and 10th century artists during the Chola period (880-1279 CE) in a series of beautiful bronze sculptures. By the 12th century AD, it achieved canonical stature and soon the Chola Nataraja became the supreme statement of Hindu art. The Vital Form & Sy...

Hinduism by Sri Swami Sivananda

Introduction A Religion of Freedom Hindu Mythology Emphasis on Practice Law of Karma Hindu Sects Glory of Hinduism Introduction to Hinduism Hinduism is the religion of the Hindus. It is the oldest of all living religions. Hinduism is not a man-made religion. It was not founded by any single person. It is not based on a set of dogmas preached by a particular set of teachers. It was not started as a system, like Islam or Christianity. It is the product of the seers of the Vedas. It was developed from age to age by the teachings of Avataras, Rishis, Vedas, the Upanishads, the Gita and the Itihasas. It will exist as long as the world lasts. There is a peculiar, mysterious spiritual force that is ingrained in the heart of every Hindu. Hinduism is also known by the names Sanatana Dharma and Vaidika Dharma. Sanatana Dharma means eternal religion, the Ancient Law. Vaidika Dharma means the religion of the Vedas. The Vedas are the foundational scriptures of Hinduism. ...

UDHAVA GITA

There are several Hindu Scriptural texts by the name Gita though this name has come to be synonymous with the Bhagavad Gita because of its popularity. There is another Gita which goes by the name Uddhava Gita which is also in the format of a dialogue between Krishna and his dear friend, Uddhava. The timing of this dialogue is when the Lord’s incarnation as Krishna is nearing its end. The destruction of Yadava clan by mutual fratricidal fighting has already started on account of a curse by the holy men on them. During such turbulent times Krishna advised the Yadavas to move to Prabhasa for prayers. At this point Uddhava, the great devotee and attendant of Krishna, apprehending the impending danger, approached him for spiritual instructions. Instructions to Uddhava by Lord Krishna known as "The Uddhava-Gita" starts from verse 40, Chapter 6, Book 11 of Shrimad-Bhaagavat MahaPuran and ends ...

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