The drum also provides the music that accompanies Shiva s dance. It represents sound as the first element in an unfolding universe, for sound is the first and most pervasive of the elements. The first verse of Panini s grammar is in fact called Shiva sutra. When they part, the universe also dissolves. The opposite hand, the upper left, bears on its palm a tongue of flames.
Fire is the element of destruction of the world.
According to Hindu mythology at the end of the world, it will be fire that will be the instrument of annihilation. Thus in the balance of these two hands is illustrated a counterpoise of creation and destruction. Sound against flames, ceaselessness of production against an insatiate appetite of extermination. It depicts the god as a protector. Interestingly, the hand pointing to the uplifted foot is held in a pose imitative of the outstretched trunk of an elephant.