SHIVA NATARAJA

Nataraja is the Cosmic Dancer. Nothing remains static in dance, or to that matter of fact, in any performing art. That dynamsm is identifiable with naTana, not exactly playuacting, but 'doing something' 'dynamism' is metophorically termed as naTana, or for an easy identification, 'dance' of shiva, and this dynamism is the manifestation of the entire universe.
The manifestation, maintenance, and dissolution of the entire universe being dynamic, it is represented in shiva's dsances. and he does various kinds of 'dances' for the uplkeep of karmic cycle. Iconographically, he is depicted to be performing various dances at various stages of the existence of universe. This is one among the twenty five types of iconographic representations of shiva.
His dance itself is the personification of his eternal dynamism of the universe, and that dance, or the stage of universe is arranged into five categories: (1) adbhuta taanDava - amazing dance, amazing causation of universe; (2) aananda taanDava - blissful dance - blisful existnce of universe; (3) anavarata taanDava - incessant dance - incessant nature of universe; (4) samhaara taanDava - elimination time dance; (5) pralaya taanDava - dissolution time dance.
The fifth kind of dance is associated with rudra, the annihilator. shiva's name is five lettered panchakshari. The five syllables are na, maH, shi, va, ya and recited as Om namaH shivaayaH, and this is indicative of five capabilities for the divine functions, pancha kriyaa shakti-s namely, sR^iSTi- creation; sthithi - maintenance; samhaara - destruction; tirobhaava - illusive; and anugraha - blessing. The five elements of creation, pR^iithivi, aapa, teja, vaayu, aakaasha, viz. solidity, liquidity, fire, ether, air, are also denoted by this five lettered name of Shiva, which are the essential elements for formation of any being, either living or material.

Nothing can be compared to this eternal dance in all dimensions and in all places.... It is just my imperfect imagination about it:

Shiva Nataraja dances His Cosmic Dance of Bliss in all Universe and in the great Temple of Chidambaram. Chidambaram temple might be a different world to the average devotee who comes there, but when you are guided into the temple, by one of the most passionate human beings, who sings nothing but the praise of the Lord, this temple has a different tune to play.

Song of Lord Nataraja

Shivaya Nama Om Shivaya Namah,
Shivaya Nama Om Namah Shivaya,

O Lord Nataraja of Chidambaram,
King Dancer of Thillai Ambalam,
Beloved consort of Shivakami Sundari,
Bhuvanesvari, Rajarajesvari,
Destroyer of sin, bestower of prosperity,
Remover of suffering, giver of Immortality,
Shivaya Nama Om Shivaya Namah,
Shivaya Nama Om Namah Shivaya.

Holder of Trident, drinker of poison,
Master of Yogis, ruler in the Sun,
Dweller in Kailas, rider of Nandi
Destroyer of Cupid, Lord of Siddhi,
The three-eyed Lord, the five-faced God,
The blue-necked God, the God of gods,
Shivaya Nama Om Shivaya Namah,
Shivaya Nama Om Namah Shivaya.

Thou art my Guru and sole-refuge,
Salutations unto Thee O Lord of Mercy,
Bless me with Thy shower of Grace,
Let me behold Thy benign face,
Let me merge in Thee for ever,
This is my real fervent prayer.
Shivaya Nama Om Shivaya Namah,
Shivaya Nama Om Namah Shivaya.