In Indian Puranas, there are many legends in which demons suddenly come into existence. From Lord Vishnu’s ear were born the demons Madhu and Kaitabha, while from Brahma emerged Sindoorasura and several other demons. Some gods and demons are even said to have originated from sacred fire rituals (havan yajnas).
Apasmara, or Apasmarasura, is believed to be one such demon of dwarf form. This demon came into existence at a time when many sages were collectively performing a havan yajna. Apasmara embodied ignorance; he would delude people and turn them into the ignorant and confused. As ignorance began to spread throughout creation, all the gods approached Lord Shiva.
Lord Shiva knew that since Apasmara was intrinsically linked with ignorance, he could not be destroyed, but he could certainly be subdued. Therefore, Lord Shiva assumed the form of Nataraja and began his cosmic dance. Shiva’s dance is considered a symbol of creation and destruction, while his feet represent knowledge and consciousness.
Raising one foot and pressing down with the other, Shiva subdued the dwarf demon Apasmara beneath him. You may have seen in many places that in idols of Shiva as Nataraja, a dwarf demon is shown crushed under his foot. In fact, this is that very dwarf demon, Apasmara, who symbolizes ignorance.
