Shiva and the cosmic dance

A long time ago, in a magical land high in the mountains, there lived a powerful and kind god named Shiva. Shiva was special because he wasn’t just a god of strength—he was also the god of peace and change. He lived in a beautiful cave on Mount Kailash with his family: his clever wife, Parvati, and their playful son, Ganesha, who had the head of an elephant.

Shiva loved to spend time meditating under the stars, surrounded by the calm of nature. But there was one thing that made Shiva very famous among the gods and people: his cosmic dance!

One day, Parvati noticed Shiva sitting very still in deep meditation. His hair, tied up high in a knot, looked like a mountain itself. "Shiva," she said with a smile, "you’ve been so quiet lately. The world could use some of your energy to help it feel alive again!"

Shiva opened his eyes and smiled back at her. "You’re right, Parvati. Let’s give the world a little magic."

He stood up and took his special drum, called the damaru. It was small and shaped like an hourglass. As soon as he shook it, it made a joyful sound: dum-dum-dum-dum!

Then, Shiva began to dance.

First, he raised one arm high and pointed another to the ground, his feet moving in perfect rhythm. His dance was so graceful that the trees began to sway, the rivers flowed faster, and the stars twinkled brighter.

The animals came to watch. Birds sang, deer leaped, and even Ganesha clapped his little hands. "Go, Papa, go!" he cheered.

Shiva’s dance wasn’t just fun; it was special. As he danced, he created and balanced the world. When he stomped his foot, it helped mountains grow strong. When he twirled, it made the wind and waves move gently. When he spun faster, old things disappeared to make space for new ones.

But Shiva’s dance wasn’t scary—it was beautiful. It reminded everyone that change is a natural part of life. Even when things seem hard, there’s always a chance for something new to grow.

When the dance was done, Shiva gently lowered his arms and smiled at everyone. "The universe is happy again," he said.

Parvati clapped. "That was wonderful, Shiva. You’ve reminded us all that life is a dance—sometimes fast, sometimes slow, but always moving."

From that day on, people remembered Shiva as the god who danced to create and renew the world. And every time they heard the beat of a drum, they imagined his footsteps bringing balance and joy to the universe.

Can you dance like Shiva? Shake your arms, stomp your feet, and let your dance bring smiles and energy to everyone around you!)