Using Sanskrit as a tool to understand Lord Natraj

Nainital (Uttarakhand) [India], June 12 (ANI): A workshop titled Natraj: Sanskriti Sambodh was held last week at Panchamritam Dham by Jyotirvid Pt Teekaram Joshi Smarak Samiti.

The workshop was inaugurated with a Bharatnatyam performance Swati Atmanathan. This was followed by speeches by eminent scholars of Sanskrit on Shiva and why he was given the name, Natraj.

Professor Rajeeva Ranjan Singh from Sampurnanand Sanskrit University focused on dancing shrine of Lord Shiva Natraj. He explained how the symbol of Natraj emphasises on how one should focus only on their duty and not be bothered about the results. He also explained how the Natraj also includes the origin and rhythm of human life in it.

On day two of the workshop, Dr Smriti Baghela from M S University Baroda explained the 108 reasons of Shiv Tandav through her dance performance and Professor Damodar Pargai of Uttarakhand Sanskrit University, Haridwar explained to the audience how Lord Shiva is a marvellous dancer because of which he has been given the name, Natraj.

Professor Damodar said, "Lord Shiva is the oldest dancer and the whole world is his stage. His dance unfolds activities of nature."

During the workshop, more than 30 research papers on Natraj were presented by scholars from different parts of India. The aim was to help develop the understanding of Natraj and use Sanskrit as a tool to explain the mystic idol.

The Jyotirvid Pt Teekaram Joshi Smarak Samriti is helmed by a former Banaras Hindu University (BHU) professor, Dr Kamla Pandey and her brothers, Retd. Captain Mahesh Chandra Pandey and Swami Kamal Nayan Das Ji Maharaj.

The siblings work for the upliftment of Sanskrit through various seminars, workshops and social activities like cleaning of Ganga. They have been holding regular workshops since Dr Kamla Pandey retired from her teaching job as a Sanskrit Professor with BHU three years ago. (ANI)

This story has not been edited. It has been published as provided by ANI