The Cosmic Dance of Nataraj at CERN

Posted by Harsh Nevatia Sep 13, 2008

In 1975 a physicist named Fritjof Capra wrote a book The Tao of Physics, whose byline was “An Exploration of the Parallels Between Modern Physics and Eastern Mysticism”. In this book Capra described the interactions of subatomic particles as “a dynamic interplay in which particles are created and destroyed without end in a continual variation of energy patterns.” Capra likened this to the Hindu belief of the universe being created and destroyed in a cyclic manner without beginning or end, death and rebirth being an integral part of this process.

This cosmic dance finds manifestation in Nataraj, the King of Dancers. Nataraj is the most popular avatar of Shiva, one of the Hindu Trinity. Perfectly balanced on one leg and with his four arms and the other leg outstretched Nataraj represents the cosmic dance. The small drum that he holds represents the ticking way of time. The images obtained from particle collision experiments replicate the dynamism and energy of Nataraj.

The European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) has been in the forefront of particle physics research since the late 1950s. About 8,000 scientists representing 500 universities and 80 countries are working for CERN. In 1984 the concept of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) was officially agreed upon. Indians have contributed more than 100 man-years to the LHC project and have designed and built critical components.

The Indian Government presented CERN with a 2m high statue of Nataraj. This was in recognition of the long association Indian scientists have had with CERN. This statue gave concrete form to the metaphor of Shiva’s cosmic dance first mooted by Capra.

The LHC has gone on stream last week and the collisions are scheduled to take place in October. The idea is to simulate the conditions of the Big Bang and learn some more about the creation of the universe. Only time will tell whether Nataraj is willing to reveal his mysteries or not.