Energy, Power, Myth, Movement and Magic, that is the Tandav-Shiva! Having explored Shiva as the all-auspicious one, today as part of the 45 Days of Dance Stories, I wish to talk of the Tandav. Originating from the Sanskrit verb “Tand”- which means “to restore balance”, this word is a symbol for Lord Shiva himself and all associated activities of destruction and regeneration connected to … Continue reading Glorifying Tandav-Shiva!
Since yesterday (the 2nd of December 2014) and the post Shiva, Shakti, Laasya, my thoughts have been pre-occupied by Lord Shiva as the Lord of Performers and Dance. Known in this avatar as Nataraja, his physical personification (as seen in the image above) can be attributed to the bronze sculptors of the Chola Dynasty in South India from 10th Century A.D. This dancing figure of … Continue reading Nataraja – The Lord of Dance
My middle school principal would read from this every morning during assembly and for me the poem I connected with the most was and is: “Where the mind is without fear” Here is the poem: Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high Where knowledge is free Where the world has not been broken up into fragments By narrow domestic walls Where … Continue reading Gitanjali – A collection of poems by Ravindranath Tagore.
The Rime of the Ancient Mariner by Samuel Taylor Coleridge is a poem I often revisit. The characters are never fully unravelled to my mind, which lends this poem a sense of being an unfinished story. Why? Most importantly for me, as it begins with the end, and as a reader I am always struck in wonder by the depth, detail and sense of loss within the tale! Here is … Continue reading Rime Of The Ancient Mariner
VRATHA – a Sanskrit word that is often used across India in various dialects and languages to signify ‘fasting’, means a ‘sacred vow’ in its truest translation. The Hindu in contemporary times, very much like their brothers and sisters from antiquity, offer a range of prayers, mantras, gifts and sacrifices to their Hindu Pantheon. With each day of the week ascribed to a specific God, … Continue reading Karva-Chauth
D's Art Takes 