Why Is Lord Shiva Worshipped as Nataraj?
When we think of Lord Shiva, many images come to mind — the ascetic, the destroyer, the meditating yogi. But one of his most profound and mystical forms is Nataraj, the Lord of Dance(form).
Nataraj represents more than art. His cosmic dance form — the Tandava — is symbolic of the rhythm of the universe: creation, sustenance, and destruction.
In this post, we explore the Nataraj Stuti — a powerful Sanskrit hymn that praises Shiva’s dynamic form. You’ll find the lyrics in Devanagari, transliteration, and meaning in English, followed by a spiritual explanation, insights from the Bhagavad Gita, and practical life lessons.
Nataraj Stuti Lyrics, Transliteration & Meaning
Verse 1
Devanagari:
सत सृष्टि तांडव रचयिता
नटराज राज नमो नमः ।
हे आद्य गुरु शंकर पिता
नटराज राज नमो नमः ॥
Transliteration:
Sat sṛiṣṭi tāṇḍav rachayitā
Naṭarāj rāj namo namaḥ |
He ādy guru Śaṅkar pitā
Naṭarāj rāj namo namaḥ ||
Meaning:
Salutations to Nataraj, the king of cosmic rhythm,
O first guru, O father Shankar, we bow to you again and again.
Verse 2
Devanagari:
गंभीर नाद मृदंगना
धबके उरे ब्रह्मांडना ।
नित होत नाद प्रचंडना
नटराज राज नमो नमः ॥
Transliteration:
Gambhīr nād mṛdaṅganā
Dhabke ure brahmāṇḍnā |
Nit hot nād prachaṇḍnā
Naṭarāj rāj namo namaḥ ||
Meaning:
The deep sound of the mridanga (drum) echoes across the universe.
Every day, the universe vibrates with this overwhelming cosmic beat.
We bow to Nataraj, the divine king of dance form.
Verse 3
Devanagari:
शिर ज्ञान गंगा चंद्रमा
चिद्ब्रह्म ज्योति ललाट मां ।
विषनाग माला कंठ मां
नटराज राज नमो नमः ॥
Transliteration:
Shir jñān Gaṅgā chaṃdramā
Chidbrahm jyoti lalāṭ māṃ |
Viṣanāg mālā kaṇṭh māṃ
Naṭarāj rāj namo namaḥ ||
Meaning:
On his head flows the Ganga, and rests the moon — symbols of wisdom and calm.
His forehead shines with divine consciousness,
And around his neck is a garland of serpents. Salutations to Nataraj.
Verse 4
Devanagari:
तवशक्ति वामांगे स्थिता
हे चंद्रिका अपराजिता ।
चहु वेद गाए संहिता
नटराज राज नमोः ॥
Transliteration:
Tavaśakti vāmāṅge sthitā
He chaṃdrikā aparājitā |
Chahu ved gāe saṃhitā
Naṭarāj rāj namoḥ ||
Meaning:
Your divine energy, Shakti, rests on your left side —
Bright and undefeated like the moon.
All four Vedas sing your eternal truth.
O Nataraj, we bow to you.
Symbolism of Nataraj: What Does Each Element Represent?
Nataraj isn’t just a beautiful sculpture — it’s a spiritual diagram that explains the movement of the universe and the path to inner freedom.
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Damaru (Drum) | Creation — the first sound (Aum) |
| Fire (Agni) | Destruction — burning illusion |
| Raised Foot | Liberation — freedom from ego |
| Apasmara (Dwarf) | Ignorance — trampled by Shiva |
| Circle of Flames | The cosmos and cycles of birth and death |
Each element of Nataraj’s form teaches detachment, power, wisdom, and the ability to stay balanced in chaos.
Gita Connection: Shiva’s Dance form and Krishna’s Teachings
The Bhagavad Gita provides a philosophical framework that aligns beautifully with the meaning of the Nataraj Stuti.
Gita 4.8
“To protect the righteous, to destroy evil, and to re-establish dharma, I appear age after age.”
Like Krishna, Nataraj represents action with purpose — every movement of Shiva’s dance form is meant to restore cosmic order.
Gita 2.20
“The soul is never born, nor does it die… it is unborn, eternal, and timeless.”
The Stuti reminds us that our true nature is not the body, which changes and dies, but the eternal awareness — chidbrahma jyoti — the light of consciousness.
Word-by-Word Interpretation
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| सत सृष्टि | Eternal creation |
| तांडव रचयिता | Creator of the cosmic dance |
| नटराज राज | King of dancers / supreme form |
| नमो नमः | Salutations again and again |
| आद्य गुरु | The first (original) teacher |
| शंकर पिता | Shiva, the father figure |
🙏 Life Lessons from the Nataraj Stuti
1. Let Go of Control
Shiva’s dance form shows that you cannot control life. You can only flow with it or suffer against it.
2. Ignorance is the True Enemy
The demon crushed under Nataraj's foot symbolizes our ego, false pride, and delusion. To rise spiritually, we must defeat these within.
3. Balance Power and Peace
Nataraj holds fire and a drum — one destroys, one creates. Just like life demands action and restraint, speed and stillness.
Conclusion: What the Nataraj Stuti Teaches Us Today
The Nataraj Stuti is more than devotional poetry. It’s a reminder that life is rhythm, and to live fully, you must move with awareness, drop ego, embrace change, and align with your higher self.
You are not separate from the dance form. You are part of it. The only question is — are you in sync with the cosmic rhythm or resisting it?