SPIRITUALITY, HAPPINESS AND CLASSICAL DANCE- THEIR LINKAGE AS PORTRAYED IN THE TIRUMURAI

Abstract

Nataraja, the dancing Lord who is dwelling in Chidambaram is believed to perform his cosmic dance in the same place. He performs his dances in happiness and delight and fascinates everything into Himself. The peculiarities of Lord Shiva, particularly his apparel, activities- specifically the midnight dance at the incineration grounds bounded by different strange beings, have engrossed the loving and religious attention from his various devotees. This has led to the expression of their adoration for their Idol in the form of Tirumurais. Thevaram, which was composed by Sambandar, Appar and Sundarar- popularly referred to as Tevaram-trio. The Trio rapture over Lord Siva with their songs at holy places and shrines that they visit, which popularly now is represented as Thevaram. This study presents a review on the portrayal of Lord Nataraja in Thevaram. The dance of Nataraja, which is referred to as the cosmic dance, is representative of the metrical movements of the cosmos. The Thevaram refers to the first seven volumes of Tirumurai, compilation of Śaiva devotional poetry. The poems of Thevaram are remained as a traditional practice in various Lord Shiva temples in Tamil Nadu. The image of the Hindu Idol Shiva dancing within a gigantic ring of fire is amongst the most adored and breathtaking signs of the Hindu formation of the nature of the cosmos. Indeed, this can be beautifully portrayed in The Tevaram-trio associates some of the signs of Siva-Nataraja with cosmic dance. This research discusses in detail how Lord Nataraja through his dance forms represent an Embodiment of Happiness and Spirituality and how the Thirumurais convey it in their hymns.