INTRODUCTION : 
Nataraja is a form of Lord Shiva and he is the cosmic dancer. His dance is called as Tandavam and the details about his dance are mentioned in various sacred texts, and usually a Nataraja Idol would be found in most of the Shiva Temples. It is believed that he is dancing in order to protect the people and to maintain peace and prosperity in the earth. During Pradosham days, Lord Shiva in the form of Nataraja would dance between the horns of Lord Nandi, the divine bull and attendant of Lord Shiva. Once Lord Adisesha, the divine serpent bed of Lord Vishnu, prayed to Lord Shiva, and got his darshan in the form of Nataraja.
The various dance postures in the form of stone inscriptions are found in the Ellora Caves and Badami Caves. Nataraja is also worshiped in Hindu temples of Asian countries. Thiruvadirai Festival also known as Arudra Darisanam is celebrated in Chidambaram, Madurai, Tiruvalangadu, Tirunelveli and Kutralam temples. Lord Nataraja is a well-known form of Shiva and is praised as the dance god. He is mainly worshiped by the dancers and art related people in order to get better results in their career. Most of the people belonging to music and dance field will be having a statue of Nataraja at their home, both for worship as well as for display purpose. Nataraja is the main deity in the Chidambaram Temple, and the temple is considered as one of the Mukti Stalams.
IMPORTANCE
Being worshiping Lord Nataraja at any of the shiva temples, or at Chidambaram during Thiruvathidarai festival day, will bring better prospects in our life, and our sins will be wiped out, and all of our sorrows and miseries will come to an end. It is also advisable to worship Nataraja during pradosham days, for getting better fortunes in our life.
Let us worship the holy Nataraja and be blessed.
“OM NAMAH SHIVAYA NAMAHA”
SENT BY
R.HARISHANKAR
