THE TEMPLE OF THE DANCING SHIVA

A Gateway to the Crown Chakra

The mystical vessel where innumerable streams of spiritual energy unite together in a vibrant knot. A point at the junction of the thousand paths where present past and future meet to form an entity beyond time, beyond any conditioning. Here in Chidambaram, deep in southern India, carved into the granite stones of the ritual grounds, the knowledge of the ancient Seers come to life. The temple of Chidambaram is the home of the Dancing Shiva, Lord of the Cosmic Dance, Shiva Nataraja. Nataraja dances the dance of the atoms, stars and galaxies.

In Chidambaram, in Tamil Nadu in South India, Shiva dances His Ananda Tandava, the Dance of Bliss. His Cosmic Dance represents the five activities of Creation, Preservation, Destruction, Illusion and Salvation.

We also find the five primordial elements or Mahabhuta represented in His Dance. Earth is represented by the dwarf Apasmara under His left foot. Water is represented by the Goddess Ganga in His matted hair. Air is found within the small drum or damaru in His upper right hand. Fire He holds in His upper left hand. And Ether or Akasha is found in the space between His stable and His uplifted dancing foot.

This temple is a repository of dance and sculpture, and a treasure for the understanding of dance and its history and development in India. Dancers from all over the country, and from all over the world, visit this temple to experience Lord Shiva's Cosmic dance and to study the ancient sculptures that show us the 108 Karanas Lord Shiva gave to humanity as the Fifth Veda.

I am very happy to provide the privilege to those who wish to offer the art of dance before Lord Shiva. It is possible for dancers of classical Indian dance to offer their dance before the Lord. I have over the years assisted many dancers in their wish to offer their dance before the Lord. And I am always happy to welcome dancers who wish to dance before the Lord as an expression of their devotion and dedication. In accordance with the temple's doctrine, traditions and customs. You can contact me through the contact form or directly by sending me an email.

I myself am deeply involved with the art of dance as a composer and choreographer. I give lectures and workshops on meaning and history, mythology, and other subjects connected with Indian classical dance, especially Bharata Natyam.
 

rdeekshithar [at] yahoo [dot] com