In this episode we meet Nataraja, the Lord of the Dance. Through the story of the sages of Tillai Vanam, the mangrove forests of Chidambaram, we learn the traditional chant "Nataraja, Nataraja" Later we are introduced to the first verse of the "Shiva Tandava Stotram"(The Dancing Shiva's Hymn), attributed to none other than the rakshasa Ravana and how he came to write this hymn.
For the next few weeks we will be exploring this stotram so this is just the first taste of this wonderful chant.
From our hearts to yours- enjoy listening!
Nataraaja
Nataraaja Nartana Sundara Nataraaja
Shivaraaja
Shivaraaja Shivakaami Priya Shivaraaja
Cidambaresha
Nataraaja
Parttipuriishvara
Nataraaja
(Traditional)
jaṭā ṭavī galaj
jala pravāha pāvi tasthale
gale valambya
lambitāṃ bhujaṅga tuṅga mālikām |
Ddamadd Ddamadd
Ddamadd Ddaman ninādava Ddamar vayaṃ
cakāra caṇdda tānddavaṃ tanotu naḥ śivaḥ śivam
(words by Ravana[?] my own melody)