There are numerous legends related with tandava, one of which says, the evil presence Apasmara tested Shiva. Shiva appeared as Nataraja to smother Apasmara – the image of numbness. He acknowledged the demand and appeared as Nataraja to perform tandava. 

During the exhibition, Shiva squashed Apasmara under his correct foot. Since Apasmara can't kick the bucket to keep up the harmony among information and numbness, Shiva stayed in his Nataraja structure. This symbol of Shiva gives the message that obliviousness can be overwhelmed by information, music and move.