Rudra-Shiva concept (Study)
by Maumita Bhattacharjee | 2018 | 54,352 words
This page relates ‘Tandava dance of Shiva’ of the study on the Rudra-Shiva concept in the Vedic and Puranic literature, starting with the concept of God as contemplated by the Rishis (Vedic sages). These pages further deal with the aspects, legends, iconography and eulology of Rudra-Shiva as found in the Samhitas, Brahamanas, Aranyakas, Upanishads Sutras and Puranas. The final chapters deal with descriptions of his greatness, various incarnations and epithets.
45. Tāṇḍava dance of Śiva
In the Liṅga Purāṇa, it is stated that Dāruka (an Asura) obtained a boon through his penance and harassed all the devas and Brāhmaṇas. Dāruka attained a boon that he could be killed only by a woman. Then all the gods along with Brāhmā went to Śiva and prayed to him to protect them from that Asura. On hearing the earnest prayer of all gods, he (Śiva) requested Pārvatī to kill Dāruka for the welfare of the world. Then Pārvatī entered into the body of Śiva. Mahādeva created goddess Kālī with blue neck and matted hair from his third eye. Then Dāruka was killed by Kālī. Thereafter in order to appease her (Pārvatī) lord Śiva performed Tāṇḍava nṛtya along with his gaṇas.[1]
Footnotes and references:
[1]:
Liṅga-purāṇa, 2.106.2-25