The present work 'Rudra-Shiva / Shiva Dancing' elaborates her competence as a skilled artist as well as an erudite scholar with in-depth knowledge on iconographical and historical subjects. She represents in this painting Shiva’s iconic form as Rudra (the “Fierce God”). The etymology of the theonym Rudra has many connotations like ‘The Howler’ developing from the word ‘rud’ which means to cry or howl. Another alternative interpretation is ‘The Brilliant Red’ derived from the same word ‘rud’ which also stands for the colour red. According to Vedic literature Rudra and Agni share an intrinsic relation and one is often synonymous to the identity of the other, as is confirmed in the Nirukta texts. In Shatarudra, some epithets of Rudra, such as Sasipañjara implies "Of golden red hue as of flame" while Tivasmati denotes "Flaming bright" suggestive of the fusing of two deities. According to the noted Indologist Stella Kramrisch:

“The fire myth of Rudra-Shiva plays on the whole gamut of fire, valuing all its potentialities and phases, from conflagration to illumination.”

It is a known fact that Stella Kramrisch was invited by Rabindranath Tagore to join Kala Bhavan as a teacher of Art History in 1921. Therefore it is quite natural for the students like Gauri Devi to be inspired by her profound knowledge of Indian Classical Iconography.

Gauri Devi’s insightful rendering of Rudra Shiva replete in its iconographic and spiritual connotation therefore astounds us with her expertise. Shiva as Rudra is seen to be immersed in the act of a Tandava surrounded by the three natural elements of Jal (water), Agni (Fire) and Vayu (Air). At his feet are the spurting water bubbles followed on the next level by whorls of fire and smoke. His matted hair crowned by the crescent moon bounces around him along with his 'damaru' and horn. A halo surrounds his head from where Ganga sprints ceaselessly as he emanates raw energy from his third eye. Scantily garbed as an ascetic in tiger-skin, a snake garlanding his neck and a pair of rudraksh beads around his wrists, he embellishes himself with vibhuti or sacred ash. In his left hand he holds the trident and with the right one he forms the Karana Mudra– the gesture with which demons are expelled. The Brahmarishi (accomplished ascetic) adorns himself in tiger skin as a symbol to his conquest of lust since tiger represents lust. The serpent that embraces him signifies wisdom and eternity and the trident represents Satva, Raja and Tamas - the three Gunas with which he rules the world. The painting overall is dominated by a red hue in accordance to the Rudra form of Shiva.

A strong influence of Tibetan iconography is present in the depiction of the three elements along with elements of Ajanta and varied miniature painting traditions.