The Dance of Shiva

In the ancient Darukavana forest, a group of rishis became so powerful through their rituals that they grew arrogant, believing they were superior to the gods. To humble them, Lord Shiva visited the forest as a handsome wandering beggar, Bhikshatana, while Lord Vishnu accompanied him as the enchanting Mohini. The rishis were distracted by Mohini, while their wives were captivated by the beggar. Realizing they were being humbled, the enraged rishis used their sacrificial fires to create weapons. They first sent a ferocious tiger, but Shiva peeled its skin and wore it as a garment. They sent a venomous cobra, but Shiva draped it around his neck like a jewel. Finally, they sent the dwarf demon Apasmara, the embodiment of ignorance and ego. Shiva stepped upon the demon's back, pinning him to the earth, and began the Ananda Tandava—the Dance of Bliss. As he danced, his matted hair flew and the cosmos vibrated with his rhythm. The rishis, witnessing the divine spectacle, realized their folly and surrendered their ego to the Lord of Dance.