The symbolism of the demon Apasmara Purusha crushed by Nataraja Shiva's left foot is rich and multifaceted, deeply embedded in Hindu tradition and philosophy. Here's an expanded explanation:
Nataraja Shiva
Nataraja, or Shiva as the Lord of Dance, represents the
dynamic and cyclical nature of the universe. His dance, the Tandava, symbolizes
the cosmic cycles of creation, preservation, and destruction. Every aspect of
Nataraja's form and posture is symbolic:
The Flaming Circle (Prabhamandala): Surrounds Shiva,
symbolizing the cosmos and the continuous cycle of birth and rebirth.
The Drum (Damaru): Held in his upper right hand, represents
the sound of creation, the beat of time.
The Flame (Agni): Held in his upper left hand, symbolizes
destruction and transformation.
The Gesture of Fearlessness (Abhaya Mudra): The lower right
hand is raised in a gesture that dispels fear and grants protection.
The Left Hand (Gajahasta or Ardhachandra Mudra): Pointing to
his raised left foot, symbolizing liberation and upliftment from the cycle of
birth and death.
Apasmara Purusha
Apasmarapurusha is depicted as a dwarf demon with the body
of an infant, trampled under Nataraja's right foot. His name, derived from
Sanskrit, means "forgetfulness" (apasmara) and "man"
(purusha). He embodies ignorance and illusion (avidya) that lead to a state of
spiritual forgetfulness, causing one to lose consciousness of their true divine
nature.
Symbolism of Crushing Apasmara Purusha
Ignorance and Ego: Apasmarapurusha represents the ignorance
and ego that cloud human consciousness. Ignorance in Hindu philosophy is seen
as the root cause of all suffering, as it leads individuals to forget their
divine essence and true purpose.
Triumph Over Ignorance: Shiva's act of trampling
Apasmarapurusha signifies the triumph of divine knowledge and enlightenment
over ignorance. It highlights the idea that true wisdom and self-realization
can only be achieved by overcoming the ego and ignorance.
Balance and Stability: The crushing of Apasmarapurusha also
represents the need to maintain balance and stability in the face of ignorance.
By keeping the demon under control, Shiva maintains cosmic balance, symbolizing
that enlightenment requires the suppression of ignorance.
Path to Liberation: Shiva's raised left foot, pointing to
liberation, indicates that overcoming ignorance (symbolized by Apasmarapurusha)
is essential for achieving moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and
death).
Cosmic Dance of Life: Apasmarapurusha's presence under
Shiva's foot also signifies that ignorance and knowledge are part of the cosmic
dance of life. The suppression of ignorance by divine forces is a continuous
process in the universal cycle.
Philosophical Implications
The image of Nataraja crushing Apasmara Purusha encapsulates
profound philosophical messages:
Illusion (Maya): The demon represents maya, the illusion
that deceives beings into perceiving the material world as the ultimate
reality.
Self-Realization: The act of trampling suggests the
necessity of self-realization and awareness in dispelling illusion and
ignorance.
Spiritual Awakening: It emphasizes the importance of
spiritual practices and divine intervention in awakening to one's true nature.
In summary, the symbolism of Apasmarapurusha crushed by Nataraja Shiva's foot is a powerful depiction of the eternal struggle between ignorance and enlightenment. It underscores the importance of divine grace, spiritual wisdom, and the pursuit of self-realization in overcoming the ignorance that binds the soul.