Vajrahumkara, Tibet c. This mudra reflects the moment when the Gautama Buddha was being ineffectually seduced by the demon Mara and, by tradition, he reached down in silence to touch the ground. As he did so a great earthquake shook the land and the demonic horde fled in terror. 10th Century ce India, Tamil Nadu, Tanjore region. Shiva Nataraja, or the Lord of the Dance Shiva, a popular Hindu deity, is here depicted in the cosmic dance of creating and destroying the universe on the back of the Dwarf of Ignorance.
Much imagery is involved including the lower right hand performing the abhaya mudra of benediction.