Patanjala Yoga Sutra Parichaya

Before reading the Yoga Sutra-s, you should know who Patanjali is. It is said that Lord Siva invited Brahma, Visnu and all the deva-s and devata-s to see His dance performance. When all invitees occupied their seats, Lord Siva began to perform His enchanting movements, the Tandava nrtya. Hence, Lord Siva is also known as Nataraja, king of all dancers.

As the Lord of serpents – Adisesa – was the couch of Lord Visnu, Lord Visnu sat on His couch. When lord Siva, as Nataraja, began His artistic bodily movements, Lord Visnu’s inner body not only began to vibrate to Lord Siva’s rhythm but became heavier and heavier. This made Adisesa breathless, almost in a state of collapse.

The moment the dance came to an end, Lord Visnu’s body became light and normal again. Observing these transformations of lord Visnu, Adisesa was amazed and asked his Master the reason for these stupendous changes. Lord Visnu explained to Adisesa that Lord Siva’s grace, beauty and form in His presentation caused such movements in His own body and emotions.

Marveling at the interest of his Lord in dance, Adisesa requested Him to permit him to learn this art of dance, hoping to please and exalt his Master