I only own one piece of religious iconography – this brass statue of Shiva, the Hindu god, dancing the cosmic dance of the universe and trampling on ignorance. Shiva is one of the great triad of Hindu gods.

It was purchased in a charity shop for the princely sum of £14 for the simple and sole reason that it’s a beautiful object.

According to my research, Shiva dances a dance that sustains the universe through its energy and it’s believed that when the dance ends, so does the universe and a new one will be borne. So, in my view, the best way to keep the universe going is to keep on dancing. What a great plan. It all makes perfect sense of course because dancing is such a bringer of joy and happiness. It unites us all.

Apparently this little fella being trampled underfoot is symbolising ignorance! I like the idea that dancing can eliminate ignorance. It seems more appealing than the alternatives so often seen in our modern world – you know, the ones that say ‘you don’t agree with my viewpoint so I’m going to do my best to pummel my views into you’.

I like my statue of Shiva very much. I like the symbolism of birth, death and renewal. I like the idea that we go on until we stop dancing and I like the idea that through dance we can eliminate ignorance. All-in-all I am thrilled with my £14 purchase and very happy to have it in my home.

This isn't the first time it's featured in my pages, I used it last year too. Last year, I was unable to find DMs shot of this statue....here it is!

Last year, I was in a brief happy moment before heading off again....