Shiv Tandav sets tone for tri-services Operation Sindoor briefing: Watch

Days after nerve-wrecking military standoff between India and Pakistan, when the Indian armed forces addressed media in New Delhi, no one was expecting a Sanskrit rhythm to reverberate the conference hall. But just before Director General Military Operations Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai began his address, the melody of ‘Shiv Tandav’ set a stirring prelude to the presser. The minute-long clip showed how India responded to each and every terror attack from the 2008 attacks in Mumbai to the Pahalgam carnage in April last month.

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“When terror strikes our soil, India’s spirit awakens. India responds not just with force, but with unwavering resolve,” said the message in the video. It showed how Indian armed forces hit back to the Uri attack with surgical strikes. For Pulwama, India responded with stunning Balakot airstrikes. “Pakistan pushes, testing our patience, India’s response in always measured,” the subtitles read as the powerful visuals of 26/11 attacks and bombed terror hubs deep in Pakistani territory played out. The video concluded with “terrorism will have a heavy cost for Pakistan.”

What is Shiv Tandav?

The Shiv Tandav Stotram is an ancient Sanskrit poem that captures the cosmic dance performed by Lord Shiva. The hymn was composed by demon King Ravana. In more common parlance, Lord Shiv is said to perform ‘Tandav’ when he is angry.

What tris-services said?

From Karachi being a target option to the Indian Air Force’s supreme display of aerial might, the message for Pakistan was clear. The truce was an understanding and any aggression will be dealt with in equal and proportional measure.