When Vishnu was born as Sri Ram in Ayodhya as son of
Dasharatha, Shiva was eager to have a glimpse of the child form of Vishnu. Dasharatha
was protective of child Rama and did not allow strangers near him. Shiva takes
various forms of Sadhu, astrologer, singer etc to enter palace but is denied.
Finally he takes the form of a Madari, a man who entertains people on the
street with a monkey.
Legend has it that the monkey that danced for Shiva was
Hanuman. Shiva twirls his hourglass-shaped drum and hanuman dances entertaining
the crowd.
The news of the monkey and the street performer reaches the
palace and they are invited to play for the princes.
Sri Ram sits on the lap of King Dasharatha and watches the
performance.
Shiva as Madari is in a blissful state on seeing Vishnu in
child form. He twirls the drum ecstatically and dances with the monkey.
Related
Parashu the Divine Weapon of Parashuram and Shiva
Related
Parashu the Divine Weapon of Parashuram and Shiva