SPOLIA ZEYLANICA. 
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Polosinaruwa Bronses (Second Series). 
Description of the Bronzes found in the Siva Dewale at 
POLONNARUWA BY THE ArCHJEOLoGICAL COMMISSIONER 
IN 1907. 
By the Hon. Mr. P. Artjnachalam, M.A., Registrar-General. 
Plates I. and II.—Siva as Nata-raja, or Lord of Dancers. The 
dance represents the operations of the universe carried on by forces 
of which Siva is the director or ruler, hence he is called Nata-raja, 
or Lord of Dancers. 
The hair of the head is braided, forming a crown at the top and, 
at the back (Plate II.), a circular knot, the lower braids whirling 
in the dance. On these, on the right is a mermaid or Matsyanari 
representing the river Ganges ; on the left a crescent moon and a 
serpent. At the base of the crown is a skull, symbol of destruction. 
He wears a necklace of skulls of Brahmas, Vishnus, and Rudras, 
symbolizing the successive evolution and involution of the universe 
through the aeons. He has three eyes (one on the forehead), 
representing the sun, moon, and fire ; and wears on the right ear 
a round earring such as is worn by women, and on the left a man’s 
earring, for Siva is both male and female. 
He is represented with four arms :— 
(a) The hand of the right upper arm holds a small drum shaped 
like an hour-glass and symbolizing vibration, the first 
stage in evolution. 
(b) The left upper hand holds fire, symbol of destruction or 
involution, and of Siva’s purifying grace. 
(c) The right lower hand is raised in token of dispelling fear 
and assurance of protection. 
(d) The left lower hand points to his raised foot, the refuge of 
the soul. The other foot rests upon a prone Asura or 
Titan holding a snake, symbolizing the cosmic illusion 
which is trampled under foot and crushed by Siva for 
the emancipation of the soul. 
The figure stands in a halo or circle of flame, and the whole rests 
on a lotus, the lotus-throne, or jpadmasana. The serpents coiled 
in various parts of the body may be relics of the old serpent-worship, 
and are deemed symbols of Siva’s destructive energy and of his 
obscuring energy (the cosmic illusion). 
