Chapter No.20 Tandav (1)

[Meghnad's POV]

जटाटवीगलज्जलप्रवाहपावितस्थले गलेऽवलम्ब्य लम्बितां भुजङ्गतुङ्गमालिकाम्।

डमड्डमड्डमड्डमन्निनादवड्डमर्वयं चकार चण्डताण्डवं तनोतु नः शिवः शिवम्॥१॥

(With the lofty serpent as garland around his neck, his ḍamaru sounding ḍamaḍ-ḍamaḍ, Śiva did the fierce tāṇḍava dance on the ground consecrated by the water flowing from his thick, forest-like hair locks. May he shower prosperity on us.)

Father started chanting the sacred verses of the Tandava Stotram, his powerful voice resonating through the hall. The intensity of his devotion was palpable, and I watched in awe as he began the dance. His movements were fluid yet forceful, embodying the essence of creation, preservation, and destruction. The Tandava dance was a sight to behold, a testament to his deep connection with Mahadev.

जटाकटाहसम्भ्रमभ्रमन्निलिम्पनिर्झरी- विलोलवीचिवल्लरीविराजमानमूर्धनि।

धगद्धगद्धगज्ज्वलल्ललाटपट्टपावके किशोरचन्द्रशेखरे रतिः प्रतिक्षणं मम॥२॥

(Every moment, I am interested in Śiva, in the deep well of whose hair locks Ganga moves in rows of waves, whose forehead has a flaming fire, and who has a crescent moon on his head.)

Father's dance was mesmerizing, each movement resonating with the energy and rhythm of the universe. His expressions conveyed the raw power and divine connection inherent in the Tandava. As he danced, the atmosphere in the hall grew electric, the very air charged with spiritual fervor.

धराधरेन्द्रनन्दिनीविलासबन्धुबन्धुर- स्फुरद्दिगन्तसन्ततिप्रमोदमानमानसे।

कृपाकटाक्षधोरणीनिरुद्धदुर्धरापदि क्वचिद्दिगम्बरे मनो विनोदमेतु वस्तुनि॥३॥

(May my mind seek happiness in Śiva, who is the sportive companion of Pārvatī, in whose mind the remote expanses proliferate, whose compassionate look expels difficult obstacles, and who is all-pervasive.)

As Father continued his Tandava, the hall was filled with the rhythmic beats of the ḍamaru, the drum in his hand, echoing through the grand space. Each movement was precise and powerful, a manifestation of his devotion to Mahadev.

I watched in awe as Father, King Ravana, performed the divine dance with such intensity and grace. His steps seemed to vibrate with the very essence of the universe, every motion a tribute to the cyclical nature of creation, preservation, and destruction. The sight of his majestic dance filled me with a sense of pride and reverence.

जटाभुजङ्गपिङ्गलस्फुरत्फणामणिप्रभा- कदम्बकुङ्कुमद्रवप्रलिप्तदिग्वधूमुखे।

मदान्धसिन्धुरस्फुरत्त्वगुत्तरीयमेदुरे मनो विनोदमद्भुतं बिभर्तु भूतभर्तरि॥४॥

(May my mind find wonderful pleasure in Śiva, who supports all life, whose matted hair is tawny and brilliant with the gems on the hoods of the serpents. He is smeared with the sap of reddish kunkuma, whose directions are red and whose cloth is dark with elephant skin.)

The ceremonial hall was filled with the divine energy of Mahashivaratri. The deities and the people of Lanka gathered, their eyes fixed on Father as he continued his dance. The sense of reverence and devotion was palpable, the air thick with the sacredness of the moment.

My mother, Queen Mandodari, stood beside me, her eyes gleaming with pride and love for her husband. Dhanyamalini held my hand gently, her touch reassuring and warm. I could feel the collective energy of our family, united in this sacred celebration.

The dance continued, each verse of the Tandava Stotram echoing through the hall. Father's movements were a testament to his dedication and his deep spiritual connection with Lord Shiva. It was a performance that transcended the physical realm, reaching into the very soul of creation itself.

सहस्रलोचनप्रभृत्यशेषलेखशेखर- प्रसूनधूलिधोरणी विधूसराङ्घ्रिपीठभूः।

भुजङ्गराजमालया निबद्धजाटजूटकः श्रियै चिराय जायतां चकोरबन्धुशेखरः॥५॥

(May Śiva, who has the moon as his tiara and is worshipped by gods like Indra with thousands of eyes, whose feet are grey with the dust of flowers showered by gods and who has a mass of matted hair bound by the snake-king, bestow prosperity on us for a long time.)

Just like this Father performed the whole seventeen verses of the Tandava Stotram with an unmatched vigor that captivated everyone present. His powerful movements and the rhythmic chanting of the sacred verses filled the hall with an overwhelming sense of divine presence. The atmosphere was charged with an electric spirituality, and I could feel the profound connection between Father and Mahadev.

As the final verse echoed through the hall, Father came to a graceful halt, his chest heaving with the exertion of the dance. The assembled crowd erupted into applause and chants of reverence, their voices lifting in unison to honor both Ravana and Lord Shiva.

I felt a deep sense of pride swelling within me as I watched my father, the mighty King of Lanka, stand tall and composed, his face serene and glowing with a divine radiance. The energy in the hall was almost tangible, a testament to the power of devotion and the sacred dance that had just taken place.

After the ceremony, Father approached me with a warm smile, his eyes filled with a pearl of gentle wisdom. "Did you enjoy the dance, Meghnad?" he asked, his voice soft yet powerful.

I nodded enthusiastically, my eyes wide with admiration. "Yes, Father! It was incredible! I want to learn to dance like that one day."

Father chuckled, ruffling my hair affectionately. "In due time, my son. The Tandava requires not just physical strength, but a deep spiritual connection with Mahadev. You have much to learn, but I have no doubt you will one day be worthy of performing this sacred dance."

Maa Mandodari and Mother Dhanyamalini joined us, their faces beaming with pride and joy. Maa placed a gentle hand on my shoulder, her eyes soft with love. "Your father has always been a devotee of Lord Shiva, Meghnad. Today, you witnessed the culmination of his devotion. It is a path of dedication, discipline, and profound respect for the divine."

Mother nodded in agreement, her smile warm and encouraging. "And you, my dear, have the potential to follow in his footsteps. With time, patience, and unwavering devotion, you too can achieve great things."

Their words filled me with a sense of purpose and determination. I felt a deep connection to my heritage, my family, and the divine energy that permeated our lives. The vision of Father performing the Tandava remained vivid in my mind, a beacon guiding me toward my future responsibilities and spiritual journey.

The celebration continued with various rituals and offerings to Lord Shiva. The sacred fire blazed in the center of the hall, its flames dancing in harmony with the devotion of the people. Priests chanted mantras, their voices creating a melodic symphony that resonated with the divine presence.

Father, now seated on his throne, called for a moment of silence. The hall fell quiet, and all eyes turned toward him. "Today, we celebrate the divine energy of Mahadev," Father began, his voice carrying the weight of authority and reverence. "It is a reminder of our connection to the cosmic forces that govern our existence. Let us honor this connection with our actions and our hearts."

The crowd listened intently, their faces reflecting a mix of awe and devotion. Father's words resonated deeply, reminding everyone of the sacred duty to uphold righteousness and devotion in their lives.

"Meghnad," Father called, beckoning me to stand beside him. I stepped forward, feeling the eyes of the assembly upon me. "You have witnessed the Tandava, the dance of creation and destruction. It is not merely a dance but a way of life, a symbol of our eternal bond with Mahadev. Remember this moment, for it will guide you in times of darkness and light."

I bowed my head, absorbing the gravity of his words. "Yes, Father. I will remember."

He placed a hand on my shoulder, his touch firm and reassuring. "You have the potential to achieve greatness, my son. Embrace the teachings of Lord Shiva and let them illuminate your path."

As the ceremony continued, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. The blessings of Mahadev, the love of my family, and the wisdom imparted by my father all converged to form a foundation upon which I could build my future.

The rituals concluded with a final offering to the sacred fire. Flowers, fruits, and grains were placed into the flames, symbolizing our devotion and gratitude to the divine. The priests chanted blessings, invoking the protection and prosperity of the gods.

As the flames flickered and danced, I glanced at my parents. Mother Mandodari and Mother Dhanyamalini stood with serene expressions, their hands folded in prayer. Father, the mighty King Ravana, exuded a sense of fulfillment and peace.

The celebration gradually came to an end, and the people of Lanka began to disperse. The atmosphere remained charged with the spiritual energy of the ceremony, a lingering reminder of the divine presence that had graced our gathering.

Back in my chambers, I reflected on the day's events. The Tandava dance, Father's words, and the collective devotion of our people left an indelible mark on my heart.

Now I saw with my own eyes how much of the greatest devotee of Lord Shiva, Asura king Ravana is. His devotion, unwavering and profound, was something I aspired to embody. As I lay in bed, the flickering light of the oil lamp casting shadows on the walls, I made a silent vow to myself and to Mahadev. I would strive to be a worthy heir to my father's legacy, to uphold the values and teachings of Lord Shiva, and to lead our people with strength and wisdom.

Knock~ Knock~

The soft knock at the door interrupted my contemplation, and I looked up, slightly surprised. "Come in," I called out.

The door opened, and Kavya, my ever-loyal maid, stepped inside with a gentle smile. Her presence was always comforting, a familiar and reassuring sight. She carried a small tray with a few offerings—sweet fruits and warm milk, a traditional end to a significant ceremony.

"Yuvraj," she greeted respectfully, "I thought you might like a small refreshment after the day's events."

I nodded gratefully, my mind still reflecting on the awe-inspiring ceremony and my father's powerful performance. "Thank you, Kavya. I could use a moment to gather my thoughts."

She placed the tray on a nearby table and took a seat opposite me. "The celebration was truly magnificent today. His Majesty performed the Tandava with such devotion and grace. It was a sight to behold."

I nodded, taking a deep breath. "Yes, it was extraordinary. I feel deeply connected to our traditions and to Mahadev after witnessing such a profound expression of devotion."

Kavya's eyes twinkled with warmth. "Your father's dedication is unmatched, Yuvraj. His love for Lord Shiva is evident in everything he does. And seeing you so moved by the ceremony is a testament to the strong bond between you and the divine."

I smiled, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. "I hope to live up to his legacy and make him proud. I want to embody the same devotion and strength that he displays."

Kavya reached over and patted my hand reassuringly. "You have the heart and the spirit to achieve great things, Yuvraj. Your father believes in you, and so do we all. The path you choose to follow will be guided by the wisdom and teachings of Mahadev."

Her words were like a balm to my soul, easing the weight of responsibility that rested on my shoulders. I looked at her, gratitude evident in my eyes. "Thank you, Kavya. Your support means a lot to me."

We shared a quiet moment as I sipped the warm milk and nibbled on the sweet fruits. The day's events replayed in my mind, each image a vivid reminder of the sacred connection between our family, our people, and the divine.

As I finished my refreshment, Kavya stood and gave a respectful bow. "If you need anything else, Yuvraj, just let me know. Rest well tonight; tomorrow will bring new challenges and opportunities."

I nodded, my heart lightened by her presence and support. "I will. Thank you, Kavya."

She exited the room, leaving me alone with my thoughts once more. The glow of the oil lamp casts gentle shadows, creating an atmosphere of quiet reflection. I lay back on my bed, closing my eyes and visualizing the powerful dance of Tandava, the sacred energy, and my father's unwavering devotion.

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[To Be Continued]

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Word Count: 1978