The mural at the St Matthews Studio depicts Shiva (the male dancing figure on the left) and Durga (the female figure seated on a tiger on the right). In the yoga tradition, Shiva is the primordial yogi, the first yoga teacher from the beginning of time. Shiva is the source of the yoga tradition. Shiva is also one of the Tridev, the three main deities in Hinduism, who are Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva; and represent the divine aspects of Creation, Preservation and Dissolution.
Here, Shiva is shown in his traditional yogic form. Shiva does not wear silks and jewels; he has long dreadlocks, is clothed in a tiger skin, and adorns Himself with living serpents and strands of seeds from the rudraksha tree. The crescent moon is His crest-jewel.
In his role as Nataraj, the Divine Dancer, He performs the Tandava, the cosmic dance of Creation, Maintenance and Dissolution, dancing upon the body of Apasmara, the demon of Forgetfulness. With the drum in Shiva's left hand he brings material creation into existence. The fire in his right hand symbolizes time and change that dissolves everything away. The upraised hand makes the gesture of fearlessness. Finally, the fourth hand points to his upraised foot which represents the grace-bestowing power of yoga and liberation, the goal of yoga practice.
Here, Shiva is shown in his traditional yogic form. Shiva does not wear silks and jewels; he has long dreadlocks, is clothed in a tiger skin, and adorns Himself with living serpents and strands of seeds from the rudraksha tree. The crescent moon is His crest-jewel.
In his role as Nataraj, the Divine Dancer, He performs the Tandava, the cosmic dance of Creation, Maintenance and Dissolution, dancing upon the body of Apasmara, the demon of Forgetfulness. With the drum in Shiva's left hand he brings material creation into existence. The fire in his right hand symbolizes time and change that dissolves everything away. The upraised hand makes the gesture of fearlessness. Finally, the fourth hand points to his upraised foot which represents the grace-bestowing power of yoga and liberation, the goal of yoga practice.
On the right of the mural is Durga, Shiva's consort - the Goddess. She is shown as a beautiful woman riding on a tiger, which symbolizes her mighty power. She holds many weapons in her hands with which she battles the inner enemies of Desire, Anger, Greed, Envy, Arrogance and Delusion. She represents the transformative power of yoga.
A form of Durga called Camundi is the patron Goddess of the city of Mysore. Her temple sits at the top of Camundi hill overlooking the city. Once a year during the month of October she is brought out to tour Mysore in a great procession for the celebration of Dasara. She is placed in a silver palanquin carried by an elephant. Dasara Festival is an ancient tradition of the city of Mysore and attracts millions of people every year.
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