|
Ananda Tandavam, The Mystic Dance:-
The workship of the
linga form of Siva in association with the five elements, earth, water, fire,
wind and ether, is peculiar to Indian culture and sacred places sanctified by
such association exist in South India. Chidambaram, the seat of Natarajar, is
noted for the workship of Siva in the form of akasa or ether. The Anansa
(Supreme Bliss) which the Cosmic dance of Natarajar evokes has been variously
described as Paramananda, Paraparananda. The Supreme Lord dances not only in
the cosmos, akasa, but in the mind of the devotee himself. It
is combination of Cit and ambara from which 'Chidambaram' is derived.
Natarajar, the
image of Siva, the Cosmic dancer, is the unique contribution of Indian thought
to the world's culture; it is a vivid visualization of the cosmic creation in
the unending rhythm of evolution, devolution, creation and destruction --
perpetual movement which symbolises the rhythm of the spirit, primal rhythmic
energy underlying all phenomenal appearances and activity. What is even more
striking is the basic difference in the concept itself. While, for example, in
the case of Krishna's rasa-lila, we cannot; visualise the different poses and
movements, Nataraja's cosmic dance has well-determined pattern of movement,
poses and disposition of the limbs. His four hands and two legs have each been
assigned a specific configuration and signification as part of the total
concept of the cosmic dance.
Ananda Tandavam is the dance that
Natarajar is said to have performed in the Golden Hall of Chidambaram (Kanaka
Sabha) and his dance forms the motit of South Indian broze images of Natarajar
that are invariably found in the hallowed Siva temples of the South,
particularly in the Cola country. The legand behind the dance centres round the
forest of Daruka, where Siva, a handsome, naked wandering beggar proceeded, in
the form of Bhikshatanar,* accompanied by Vishnu (as Mohini) and Adiseshe, to
confute certain heretical Rishis. The idea was to test the fidelity of the
wives of certain sages who were proud of their chastity. Vishnu is said to have
taken the form of Mohini, a beautiful woman, in order to tempt the sages. The
rishis attemptec to destroy Siva by their incantations. A fierce tiger was
first created in their sacrificial fire and rushed upon Siva. Siva smiled
gently, seized it and with the nail of His little finger, He peeled off its
skin and wrapped it arround Himself. Undeterred by their failure, the Rishis
created a poisonous serpent which Siva seized and wore around his neck a
garland. Siva then danced as Natarajar, much to the consternation of the rishis.
They now set upon him Muyalakan or Apasmara Purusha, a dwarf monster. Natarajar
placed His foot on the crouching monster and, breaking the dwarf's back, made
him writhe in pain on the ground. With all his foes thus vanquished, Siva
danced the famous Ananda Tandaam which was witnessed by the gods and rishis.
The story goes that Adisesha workshipped Siva and prayed to Him for another
oppourtunity to behold the dance. Siva promised Adisesha that He would dance
again at Tillai (the 'centre of the Universe').
|
|