“When Shiva dances, the world listens.”
"जब शिव नृत्य करते हैं, तो सारा ब्रह्मांड सुनता है।"
Yes, the cosmic dance of Lord Shiva, known as the Shiv Tandava, is an awe-inspiring dance that showcases the dynamic forces of nature in rhythmic motion. Such as the creation (Shrishti), Preservation (Sthiti), destruction (Samhara), Illusion (Tirobhava), and grace (Anugraha) are intertwined like lovers in eternal motion.
So, today we will take you on the mystical journey of time, rhythm, and cosmic symbolism called the Shiva Tandava. Let’s start by knowing how Shiva does Tandava.
How Does Shiva Do Tandava?
Imagine the world is a stage, the sun is rising, trees are growing, people are taking birth, and everything slowly fades away. The dance of creation and destruction is led by the divine being, the Nataraja, Lord Shiva, The lord of Dance.
When Lord Shiva dances, it’s not the ordinary dance but is filled with great energy, devotion, strength, rhythm, and meaning. Lord Shiva opens up his long, matted hair (जटाएँ) and whirls as he spins. The holy river Ganga flows from his hair like a liquid light. His eyes also glow with the fire of creation and destruction. The crescent moon on Lord Shiva’s head also shines, showcasing calmness.
The body moves with power, spinning with grace all the way. With every step, he creates something, and with every movement, he destroys something.
What do Lord Shiva’s hands do?
One hand of Lord Shiva holds fire, which is to destroy the ego. Another hand beats the damru, creating the sound of life, “Om.” One hand is in Abhaya mudra, which means, “ don’t be afraid.”
His other hand is pointed to his raised foot, which showcases the symbol of hope and freedom. Under the dancing feet lies a tiny demon, named Apasmara, who is the demon of ignorance and arrogance. With just one foot, Lord Shiva crushes the ego and sets the soul free.
Two Faces Of The Dance
a. Rudra Tandava
Rudra Tandava is in the fierce form, which represents Lord Shiva’s destructive aspect—powerful, fierce, and purifying. It means that Shiva is dancing in anger, and he comes in Rudra form at that time, who is the destroyer of evil, ego, and ignorance.
The dance becomes powerful and storm-like while Lord Shiva comes in Rudra form. When Sati (Shiva’s wife) sacrificed herself in the fire, he was filled with grief and rage. In that anger and pain, he performed Rudra Tandava, shaking the heavens.
b. Ananda Tandava
It’s called the dance of bliss, and this happens when Lord Shiva dances in joy. When Lord Shiva dances with happiness, the universe celebrates. Ananda Tandava is the most graceful, blissful, and peaceful form of Shiva Tandava, when Lord Shiva dances in divine ecstasy.
The Meaning of This Cosmic Dance
When Lord Shiva dances in the Rudra form, it doesn’t depict anything negative; in fact, it shows that people must rise above hate, pride, and ignorance. By dancing over the demon Apasmara, Lord Shiva teaches us that we must grow spiritually and unleash the light inside us by defeating our inner demon of darkness.
"तांडव का अर्थ है भीतर के अंधकार को जलाना, ताकि भीतर का प्रकाश जाग सके।"
Tandava in Your Life
There are many moments in our lives when we also experience a Tandava within us, such as when we undergo a significant change, when we release something painful, or when emotions rise and fall.
This feeling creates tremors inside our heart and soul that depict that Lord Shiva is dancing inside you and is guiding you through the rhythm of life.
So, at that time, a person has to hold oneself up once again and face life as it is. This helps us learn how life is handled in different, tough phases of life. It’s then we must never lose faith in our divine, our beloved God, Lord Shiva, because he will also hold you no matter what.
If you want to protect yourself from any kind of negativity or bad influence, then you can wear a Damru Rudraksha around your neck in the form of a necklace or as a bracelet on your hand.
A Simple Thought To End
So, the next time you feel an inner storm or chaos, just think of Lord Shiva, dancing with joy, in power, and in silence, the purpose of which is to teach you something.
It’s not about your destruction, but to teach you that after every ending, there is always a beautiful beginning waiting for you that will be way more meaningful and valuable to you.
“Om Jai Shiv Onkara”
For any kind of astrological or horoscopic concern, meet our divine astrology expert, Pt. Rahul Kaushl, to navigate safely through the tough phases of life. Get in touch at pandit.com.
