Tandava as a Name

[Guest guest]

Hi --

 

I've practiced yoga for several years and am familiar with several

names and terms and have noticed these names being used in Western

artistic and commercial ventures.

 

For example, there are many artists and enterprises that use Parvati,

Shakti, Padme, even Darshan.

 

I am particularly curious about the word " Tandava " since this, like

Darshan, is not a name of a deity but of an event/experience.

 

I have been told that it is a sacred mantra, but I am only aware of

its use in the Shiva Tandava Stotra, where the word itself is not a

mantra, per se, but is included as part of the greater recitation

which contains many ordinary words.

 

Likewise, I have also been told it is " just a word " and that the

dance itself is practiced in semi-formal events such as parades. Is

this true?

 

In any case, I am also aware of the Canadian world music band

(www.tandava.com), a meditation CD

(http://store.soundstrue.com/mm00890d.html), a fire dance troupe

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ec1GTn6kd9k), an aviation school

(www.tandavaaviation.com), and even a dog breeder

(www.tandavadalmatians.com), all of whom have adopted the word in

their name.

 

Can anyone advise me about the appropriateness of such usage? Could

there be a usage that would be inappropriate?

 

Many thanks!!