What is the dance of Shiva and what does it symbolize?

[paul linus]

It is called Tandavam natyam. It is a divine dance and described as a vigorous dance. It symbolizes cycle of creation, preservation and dissolution.

 

[Nil Thapliyal]

There are two types of Tandava. One is Rudra Tandava and the other is Ananda Tandava.

The first depicts violent nature i.e. creator and destroyer of the universe. The second depicts him as joyful.

 

[paul linus]

The Tandavam name comes from the word Tandu, which means attendant of Shiva.

 

[Nil Thapliyal]

The Tandava is performed in a violent as well as joy mood by people and mostly in southern India. According to Hindu texts there are seven types of Tandava and those are Ananda Tandava, Tripura Tandava, Sandhya Tandava, Samhara Tandava, Kali (Kalika) Tandava, Uma Tandava and Gauri Tandava.

 

[paul linus]

Do you know that Shiva's wife Parvati too performed a dance in response and it is called as Lasya. It is gentle and graceful. However, sometimes it is erotic too. Some say it is female version of Tandava. It has two kinds - Jarita and Yauvaka.

 

[Nil Thapliyal]

According to Bhagavata Purna Lord Krishna too performed Tandava dance on the head of Kaliya serpent.