The Dance of Shiva: Understanding the Cosmic Cycle
Nov 28, 2024
Beyond mere mythology, the dance of Shiva holds cosmic significance. It incorporates principles related to the cycles of creation, preservation, and destruction. There are also various science theories related to the Shiva Tandava.
He is called Nataraja, the Lord of Dance or the cosmic dancer.
The dance of Shiva, often referred to as Shiva Tandavam, is one of the most depicted subjects in Indian art and sculptures. The Nataraja statue is one remarkable example of the Shiva Tandava, and the intricate details of the statue became the ground for various scientific and philosophical studies.
Nataraja and Shiva Tanjore paintings also add beauty to the tapestry of classical Indian art.
The Cosmic Dance: Tandava
The Tandava is a powerful dance performed by Lord Shiva. Unlike graceful dances, like the Bharatnatyam, which is soft and graceful, the Tandava dance embodies the fierce nature of Lord Shiva with powerful, energetic, and unrestricted movements.
The dance is usually represented by the Nataraja form as represented in the above image. Each aspect of the form holds its unique meaning.
The raised foot—symbolizes his triumph over ignorance and illusion.
The other foot—symbolizes being grounded on Earth.
The raised foot—signifies liberation.
The lowered foot—signifies a compassionate embrace of the world.
With his cosmic energy and powerful dance, Lord Shiva creates, preserves, and ultimately destroys it, and that is why he is the symbol of the cosmic cycle. (the constant cycle of birth and death, expansion and contraction, chaos and order)
Symbolisms in the Dance of Shiva
There are multiple layers to the symbolism of the Tandava dance of Lord Shiva. The dance not only represents the external act but also the inner workings of the cosmos.
The circle of fire: Present around Lord Shiva is the circle of fire, which also represents the cyclical nature of the world. It also represents the pure nature of fire, which destroys and paves the way for new life to be born.
The Damaru: The instrument on Lord Shiva’s hand is called the damaru, and legend says the first sound, the primordial sound, came from the damaru. This is the “om” sound that is woven through all existence.
The raised foot: The foot signifies liberation and is a symbol of transcendence. It suggests that those who follow Lord Shiva will escape the cycle of life and death. It leads us toward the concept of Moksha, the ultimate liberation.
The lowered foot: His other foot symbolizes that Lord Shiva is grounded in the material world. Meaning that while the ultimate goal is moksha, he will still hear his devotee's pain and protect them.
The serene face: Despite the powerful nature of the dance, Lord Shiva’s face reflects serenity and tranquility. This contrast represents the chaotic and still nature of the universe coexisting.
Philosophical underpinnings:
Philosophically, the dance of Shiva speaks to a myriad of profound meanings. This dance can be interpreted as the Hindu worldview regarding Maya (illusion) and that nothing lasts or endures.
In Hindu philosophy, the material world is thus seen as an illusion—a constantly changing and ever-changing reality, mistaken for the ultimate truth. The Tandava reflects this truth by showing the cyclical nature of existence.
Everything is born, lives, decays, and eventually dissolves, only to be reborn again in a cycle eternally in process. Governed by Kalachakra, or the wheel of time, one can transcend the cycle only through spiritual knowledge.
An important principle learned from the dance of Shiva is detachment. While the dance of Shiva alone symbolizes the end of the old and the birth of the new, it also signifies letting go. Life is always changing; therefore, attachment to the material world must be let go.
His movements are energetic and vigorous, yet peaceful inner meditation is guided by knowing and understanding what anything is and thus will also be so at any other time.
The dance of Shiva, further, stresses the interconnectedness of all forces within the universe. Creation and destruction do not oppose one another but are confluently intertwined. Destruction creates space for new creation while, at the same time, creation would make no sense without destruction.
Shiva's dance teaches us that birth and death, joy and sorrow, and creation and destruction are all aspects of life as a whole.
Celebrating Shiva’s dance:
The cosmic dance of Shiva is not only a philosophical concept but is part of living, breathing worship. It is known very well that the celebration of Shiva's dance takes place during Mahashivaratri, the night dedicated to Lord Shiva.
People assemble in temples, chant prayers, and perform rituals to glorify Shiva's dance and the rhythm of the universe. Most people fast and reflect on the divine attributes of Shiva. In some places, the Tandava is reenacted in folk dances.
The Tandava is also an important theme in classical Indian forms of dance that include Bharatanatyam and Kathakali, in which the dancers are supposed to enact the divine energy of Shiva through their body movements. These performances represent a cosmic dance that transcends all material worlds by way of elaborate footwork and symbolic gestures.
Conclusion
The dance of Shiva offers profound insight and wisdom into the workings of the universe. From spiritual faith to the nature of the universe, it is laced with symbolism and philosophical teachings.
By understanding and embracing the Shiva Tandava, we can lead a peaceful and fulfilling life. Art is one way to understand the dance of Shiva. Be it a Nataraja statue or a Shiva Tanjore painting, these marvels depict a beautiful story and his principles.
