Nataraj is Shiva as the Lord of the Cosmic Dance. His dance represents the eternal rhythm of creation, preservation, and transformation. He dances inside a ring of fire that symbolizes the universe. In one hand he holds a small drum representing creation, and in another he holds a flame representing transformation. Beneath his foot is the dwarf Apasmara, who represents ignorance. Nataraj reminds us that change is a natural part of life and that peace can be found within every change.. To learn more, read the Shiva Purana.