Nrtya Ganesha

Nritya Ganesha is regarded as the fifteenth among the 32 different forms of Ganesha. Ganesha is revered as the presiding deity of all branches of knowledge (vidya), that also includes fine and performing arts. Devouts aptly call him as ?Rangaraj?, the elegant dancer and a performer who is par excellence. The dance came to him as a natural blessing from his parents, Shiva as an exquisite dancer in form of ?Natraj? and Mother Parvati the diety of ?Lasya? which is the dance performed by Goddess that expresses happiness and is filled with grace and beauty. Nritya Ganesha has synthesised both the dance styles beautifully. Being the presiding deity of performing arts he is revered by dancers and musicians by singing his ode at the beginning of their performances. In the ?Krida Khanda? of the Ganesha Purana, an exquisite dance of the child Ganesha is described. So, inspired by his nritya-lila, Shiva himself started dancing in abandon, says the Purana. 270 271 The Linga Purana also speaks of dancing Ganesha as a presiding deity of the art. Nritya Ganesha represents the relaxed and enjoyable form of the Lord.