Story Summary
Discover the legend of The Dance of Shiva, where Lord Nataraja performs the cosmic Tandava to humble arrogant rishis and restore balance to the universe.
In the ancient Darukavana forest, a group of rishis became so powerful through their rituals that they grew arrogant, believing they were superior to the gods. To humble them, Lord Shiva visited the forest as a handsome wandering beggar, Bhikshatana, while Lord Vishnu accompanied him as the enchanting Mohini. The rishis were distracted by Mohini, while their wives were captivated by the beggar. Realizing they were being humbled, the enraged rishis used their sacrificial fires to create weapons. They first sent a ferocious tiger, but Shiva peeled its skin and wore it as a garment. They sent a venomous cobra, but Shiva draped it around his neck like a jewel. Finally, they sent the dwarf demon Apasmara, the embodiment of ignorance and ego. Shiva stepped upon the demon's back, pinning him to the earth, and began the Ananda Tandava—the Dance of Bliss. As he danced, his matted hair flew and the cosmos vibrated with his rhythm. The rishis, witnessing the divine spectacle, realized their folly and surrendered their ego to the Lord of Dance.
The Moral
True wisdom begins with the destruction of the ego and the realization that the divine rhythm governs the universe, not human pride.
“In the stillness of his movement, the entire universe finds its rhythm.”
Fun Fact
A large statue of Shiva as Nataraja stands at CERN in Switzerland, symbolizing the 'cosmic dance' of subatomic particles as described by modern physicists.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of The Dance of Shiva?
The story teaches that ego and ignorance are obstacles to spiritual growth. By subduing Apasmara, Shiva shows that one must overcome lower instincts to witness divine truth.
What does the dwarf under Shiva's feet represent?
The dwarf is Apasmara, who represents ignorance, epilepsy, and the human ego. Shiva tramples him to show that ignorance must be suppressed for wisdom to prevail.
What are the two main types of Shiva's dance?
Shiva performs the Ananda Tandava (Dance of Bliss), which represents creation and preservation, and the Rudra Tandava, which signifies the destruction of the universe.
Why did Vishnu join Shiva in this story?
Vishnu took the form of Mohini to help Shiva humble the arrogant rishis, demonstrating the cooperation between the forces of preservation and transformation.
What does the circle of fire around Nataraja symbolize?
The 'Prabha Mandala' or circle of fire represents the manifest universe and the eternal cycle of birth and death that Shiva dances within.
What do Shiva's four arms signify in the dance?
The drum represents creation, the fire represents destruction, the 'Abhaya' mudra offers protection, and the pointing hand signifies liberation for the soul.