Amsterdam
Completed

Explore Shiva's Cosmic Dance: An Inspirational Afternoon Lecture by Professor Paul van der Velde

Delve into the paradoxical nature of Shiva and his iconography as Nataraja, the lord of dancers.

This inspirational afternoon presentation features Professor Paul van der Velde discussing Shiva, the Hindu deity. Explore the cosmic dance of Shiva, examining his multifaceted symbolism and rich iconography as Nataraja. Gain insights into the myths and profound forms that define his divine role in creation and destruction.

About Shiva – de kosmische dans | Inspiratiemiddag at Bijbels Museum (Cromhouthuizen) in Amsterdam

Read curatorial context and practical visitor information for Shiva – de kosmische dans | Inspiratiemiddag at Bijbels Museum (Cromhouthuizen) in Amsterdam

Exhibition summary

An inspirational afternoon presentation on the 'cosmic dance' of Shiva, featuring a lecture by Hinduism and Buddhism professor Paul van der Velde. The event delves into the complex and paradoxical nature of Shiva as a deity, exploring his iconography as Nataraja, the 'lord of dancers'.

Curatorial context

This event centers on an inspirational presentation by Professor Paul van der Velde, an expert in Hinduism and Buddhism, discussing the profound 'cosmic dance' of Shiva. Shiva, depicted as Nataraja, the 'lord of dancers', is presented as a paradoxical deity embodying extremes: an ascetic yogi and an ecstatic dancer, a dweller of cremation grounds yet a protector of family. The lecture will explore the myths surrounding Shiva and his impressive forms, drawing connections to the exhibition context where Shiva Nataraja is prominently featured, originating from the temple of Cidambaram in South India. The presentation will analyze the symbolism of his dance, which drives the entire universe through cycles of creation and destruction, and how he overcomes ignorance through this cosmic performance. The text highlights specific iconographic elements, such as the drum symbolizing creation, the fire of destruction, the gesture of reassurance, and the dwarf Apasmarapurusha representing ignorance, all integral to understanding Shiva's divine role. Professor Paul van der Velde, a scholar of Asian religions, Sanskrit, and Hindi at Radboud University, brings his extensive knowledge to this exploration. The event takes place at Museum Krona in Uden, indicating a collaborative effort or a guest lecture hosted by the museum, though promoted via the Bijbels Museum website. The detailed discussion of Shiva's iconography, including his adornments that signify both high and low castes, poisonous snakes, and ashes from cremations, underscores his multifaceted nature. His dance is described as cyclical, representing an eternal process of creation, destruction, and recreation, a powerful metaphor for the universe itself.

Admission and ticket notes

Tickets for this inspirational afternoon presentation can be reserved via the provided link to Museum Krona's ticketing system. The event takes place on Sunday, January 26, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM at Museum Krona in Uden.

Shiva – de kosmische dans | Inspiratiemiddag key exhibition facts

Review exhibition status, schedule, venue context, and attribution details for Shiva – de kosmische dans | Inspiratiemiddag at Bijbels Museum (Cromhouthuizen) in Amsterdam

Venue
Bijbels Museum (Cromhouthuizen)
Current status
Completed
Exhibition schedule
Jan 26, 2025 – Jan 26, 2025
Artist line / attribution
Featuring a presentation by Professor Paul van der Velde.
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