Complete Guide to Shiva for Bharatanatyam: Significance, Worship, Mantras, and Festivals
Discover the significance of Shiva in Bharatanatyam, including worship, mantras, and festivals
By Sanatan Hindu5 min readUpdated 7 August 2026Audio available
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Introduction
Shiva, one of the principal deities in Hinduism, holds a significant place in the classical dance form of Bharatanatyam. The dance form is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology and philosophy, and Shiva is often depicted as the cosmic dancer, Nataraja. In this article, we will delve into the significance of Shiva in Bharatanatyam, the best time to perform the rituals, the required samagri, and the step-by-step vidhi. We will also explore the various mantras, vrat rules, dos, and don'ts associated with the worship of Shiva in Bharatanatyam. Bharatanatyam is a dance form that originated in the southern state of Tamil Nadu and is known for its intricate footwork, expressive gestures, and storytelling through mudras and abhinaya. The dance form is typically performed to Carnatic music and is often accompanied by a vocalist, a flautist, a violinist, and a mridangam player. Shiva is often worshipped in Bharatanatyam through various compositions, including the Alarippu, Jatiswaram, and Tillana. These compositions are designed to evoke the divine presence of Shiva and to seek his blessings. The worship of Shiva in Bharatanatyam is not just limited to the dance form itself but also extends to the various rituals and customs associated with it. For example, the dance form is often performed during the Margazhi festival, which is dedicated to Shiva. The festival is celebrated over a period of four weeks and features a series of performances, including Bharatanatyam, Carnatic music, and Tamil plays. In addition to the Margazhi festival, Shiva is also worshipped during the Maha Shivaratri festival, which is celebrated on the 14th day of the dark fortnight in the month of Magha. The festival is marked by all-night vigils, pujas, and abhishekams, and is considered an auspicious occasion for the worship of Shiva. In the context of Bharatanatyam, the worship of Shiva is not just a matter of personal devotion but also an integral part of the dance form itself. The dance form is designed to evoke the divine presence of Shiva and to seek his blessings, and the various compositions and rituals associated with it are all geared towards this end. Whether it is the intricate footwork, the expressive gestures, or the storytelling through mudras and abhinaya, every aspect of Bharatanatyam is designed to convey the beauty and majesty of Shiva. In this article, we will explore the significance of Shiva in Bharatanatyam, including the best time to perform the rituals, the required samagri, and the step-by-step vidhi. We will also examine the various mantras, vrat rules, dos, and don'ts associated with the worship of Shiva in Bharatanatyam, as well as the common mistakes to avoid and the regional variations in the worship of Shiva.
Significance
The significance of Shiva in Bharatanatyam lies in the fact that he is considered the cosmic dancer, Nataraja, and the dance form is designed to evoke his divine presence. The worship of Shiva in Bharatanatyam is also significant because it is believed to bring the dancer closer to the divine and to seek his blessings. The dance form is often performed during the Margazhi festival, which is dedicated to Shiva, and the worship of Shiva is an integral part of the festival. In addition to the Margazhi festival, Shiva is also worshipped during the Maha Shivaratri festival, which is celebrated on the 14th day of the dark fortnight in the month of Magha. The festival is marked by all-night vigils, pujas, and abhishekams, and is considered an auspicious occasion for the worship of Shiva. The worship of Shiva in Bharatanatyam is not just limited to the dance form itself but also extends to the various rituals and customs associated with it. For example, the dance form is often performed during the Margazhi festival, which is dedicated to Shiva. The festival is celebrated over a period of four weeks and features a series of performances, including Bharatanatyam, Carnatic music, and Tamil plays. The significance of Shiva in Bharatanatyam can be understood in the following ways: 1. Shiva as the cosmic dancer: Shiva is often depicted as the cosmic dancer, Nataraja, and the dance form of Bharatanatyam is designed to evoke his divine presence. 2. Shiva as the destroyer of evil: Shiva is also worshipped as the destroyer of evil, and the dance form of Bharatanatyam is often performed to seek his blessings and protection. 3. Shiva as the symbol of good over evil: Shiva is also considered a symbol of good over evil, and the dance form of Bharatanatyam is often performed to convey this message. 4. Shiva as the patron deity: Shiva is also considered the patron deity of the dance form of Bharatanatyam, and the dance form is often performed to seek his blessings and guidance.
Best Time to Perform
The best time to perform the worship of Shiva in Bharatanatyam is during the Margazhi festival, which is celebrated over a period of four weeks. The festival features a series of performances, including Bharatanatyam, Carnatic music, and Tamil plays, and is considered an auspicious occasion for the worship of Shiva. In addition to the Margazhi festival, Shiva can also be worshipped during the Maha Shivaratri festival, which is celebrated on the 14th day of the dark fortnight in the month of Magha. The festival is marked by all-night vigils, pujas, and abhishekams, and is considered an auspicious occasion for the worship of Shiva. The best time to perform the worship of Shiva in Bharatanatyam can be understood in the following ways: 1. Margazhi festival: The Margazhi festival is celebrated over a period of four weeks and features a series of performances, including Bharatanatyam, Carnatic music, and Tamil plays. 2. Maha Shivaratri festival: The Maha Shivaratri festival is celebrated on the 14th day of the dark fortnight in the month of Magha and is marked by all-night vigils, pujas, and abhishekams. 3. Pradosha vrat: The Pradosha vrat is a monthly fast that is observed on the 13th day of the lunar fortnight and is dedicated to the worship of Shiva. 4. Shiva puja: The Shiva puja can be performed at any time, but it is considered most auspicious to perform it during the Margazhi festival or the Maha Shivaratri festival.
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Required Samagri (Materials)
✦Shiva linga
✦Abhisheka items
✦Flowers
✦Fruits
✦Naivedyam
✦Panchamrit
✦Vibhuti
✦Rudraksha
Preparation Steps
- 1Clean the puja area
- 2Bathe the Shiva linga
- 3Perform abhisheka
- 4Offer flowers and fruits
- 5Offer naivedyam
- 6Apply vibhuti
- 7Wear rudraksha
Step-by-Step Vidhi
- 1Start by cleaning the puja area and bathing the Shiva linga
- 2Perform abhisheka with water, milk, curd, ghee, honey, and panchamrit
- 3Offer flowers and fruits to the Shiva linga
- 4Offer naivedyam to the Shiva linga
- 5Apply vibhuti to the forehead
- 6Wear rudraksha around the neck
- 7Perform the Shiva puja with devotion and dedication
Mantras
Om Namah Shivaya
ॐ नमः शिवाय
Om Namah Shivaya
Meaning: I bow to Shiva
Shivaya Namaha
शिवाय नमः
Shivaya Namaha
Meaning: Salutations to Shiva
Shiva Panchakshara Stotram
नमः शिवाय नमः शिवाय नमः शिवाय नमः शिवाय नमः शिवाय
Namah Shivaya Namah Shivaya Namah Shivaya Namah Shivaya Namah Shivaya
Meaning: Salutations to Shiva, salutations to Shiva, salutations to Shiva, salutations to Shiva, salutations to Shiva
Do's
- ✓Perform puja with devotion and dedication
- ✓Offer flowers and fruits to the Shiva linga
- ✓Apply vibhuti to the forehead
- ✓Wear rudraksha around the neck
- ✓Chant Shiva mantras
- ✓Read Shiva stotras
- ✓Listen to Shiva bhajans
Don'ts
- ✗Do not perform puja without bathing
- ✗Do not offer non-vegetarian food to the Shiva linga
- ✗Do not apply vibhuti to the forehead without bathing
- ✗Do not wear rudraksha without bathing
- ✗Do not chant Shiva mantras without concentration
- ✗Do not read Shiva stotras without devotion
- ✗Do not listen to Shiva bhajans without attention
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- •Not bathing before performing puja
- •Not wearing clean clothes
- •Not applying vibhuti to the forehead
- •Not wearing rudraksha around the neck
- •Not chanting Shiva mantras with concentration
- •Not reading Shiva stotras with devotion
- •Not listening to Shiva bhajans with attention
Regional Variations
- •In southern India, the worship of Shiva is often performed during the Margazhi festival
- •In northern India, the worship of Shiva is often performed during the Maha Shivaratri festival
- •In eastern India, the worship of Shiva is often performed during the Pradosha vrat
- •In western India, the worship of Shiva is often performed during the Shiva puja
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Shiva in Bharatanatyam?▾
Shiva is considered the cosmic dancer, Nataraja, and the dance form of Bharatanatyam is designed to evoke his divine presence.
What is the best time to perform the worship of Shiva in Bharatanatyam?▾
The best time to perform the worship of Shiva in Bharatanatyam is during the Margazhi festival or the Maha Shivaratri festival.
What are the required samagri for the worship of Shiva in Bharatanatyam?▾
The required samagri for the worship of Shiva in Bharatanatyam include Shiva linga, abhisheka items, flowers, fruits, naivedyam, panchamrit, vibhuti, and rudraksha.
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References & Traditional Notes
- •The worship of Shiva in Bharatanatyam is based on the ancient Hindu scriptures, including the Vedas and the Puranas
- •The dance form of Bharatanatyam is based on the Natya Shastra, which is an ancient Hindu text on dance and drama
- •The worship of Shiva in Bharatanatyam is also influenced by the Tamil literature, including the Tevaram and the Thiruvasagam
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