Creative Expression, Arts, Music & Storytelling
Nataraja Shloka (The Joy of Rhythm, Movement & Dance)
आङ्गिकं भुवनं यस्य वाचिकं सर्ववाङ्ग्मयम् । आहार्यं चन्द्रतारादि तं नुमः सात्त्विकं शिवम् ॥
Āṅgikaṃ Bhuvanaṃ Yasya Vācikaṃ Sarva-Vāṅmayam | Āhāryaṃ Candra-Tārādi Taṃ Numaḥ Sāttvikaṃ Śivam ||
Simple meaning
We bow to the pure, harmonious Lord whose physical movement is the universe, whose voice is all poetry and music, and whose adornments are the moon and stars.
For kids
Recited before dance class, martial arts, or gymnastics. It reminds kids that every leap, step, and clap is part of a creative rhythm that brings joy and energy.
Big idea
Expressive freedom, rhythmic coordination, and body confidence in dance and sports.
Word friends
Tap a word to see what it means.
Āṅgikam
Whose bodily gesture and physical movement
Bhuvanam
Is the entire living universe
Yasya
Whose
Vācikam
Whose expressive speech and voice
Sarva-Vāṅmayam
Is the source of all language, music, and poetry
Āhāryam
Whose scenic ornamentation and costume
Candra-Tārādi
Are the radiant moon, stars, and cosmos
Tam
Unto Him
Numaḥ
We bow and celebrate
Sāttvikam
The purest, most harmonious essence
Śivam
Lord Shiva (the master of rhythmic cosmic flow)