Bharatanatyam, one of the oldest classical dance forms of India, is more than performance—it is meditation in motion, a sacred offering of body, mind, and spirit. Born in the temples of Tamil Nadu over two thousand years ago, it was conceived as a spiritual practice, a way to express devotion (bhakti) to the Divine through rhythm, gesture, and storytelling. Today, Bharatanatyam remains one of the most powerful art forms that embody India’s cultural and spiritual legacy.
Origins in the Temples
The roots of Bharatanatyam are deeply intertwined with the Nāṭya Śāstra, the ancient Sanskrit treatise on performing arts by Bharata. The name itself is often explained as an acronym: Bha for Bhava (expression), Ra for Raga (melody), Ta for Tala (rhythm), and Natyam for dance.
Traditionally, Bharatanatyam was performed by devadāsīs (women dedicated to temple service) as an offering to the deities. It was not meant for entertainment but for worship. The dance unfolded before the sanctum, narrating stories from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, Puranas, and especially tales of Lord Shiva, Krishna, and Devi. The temple thus became both stage and shrine, and dance became prayer.
The Language of Gesture
Bharatanatyam communicates through a rich vocabulary of movement and expression. Every mudra (hand gesture), every glance of the eyes, and every movement of the body is codified, each carrying symbolic meaning.
- Mudras (Hastas): Hand gestures that depict everything from objects and animals to emotions and gods. For example, the anjali mudra signifies salutation, while ardhachandra can mean the moon or a face.
- Abhinaya (Expression): The art of conveying emotion—joy, sorrow, anger, devotion—through facial expressions and subtle gestures.
- Adavus (Basic Steps): Fundamental sequences of footwork and movement that form the technical base of the dance.
- Nritta and Nritya: Pure dance (nritta) emphasizes rhythm and form, while expressive dance (nritya) tells stories and communicates emotion.
Through these elements, Bharatanatyam transforms the dancer into a storyteller, weaving epics into living art.
Structure of a Performance
A traditional Bharatanatyam recital follows a carefully designed sequence known as margam (path). This path mirrors the journey of the devotee from invocation to union with the Divine.
- Alarippu: The opening piece, offering respect and preparing body and mind.
- Jatiswaram: Pure dance, combining rhythmic patterns with melodic notes.
- Varnam: The centerpiece, combining intricate technique with expressive storytelling, often centered on devotion to a deity.
- Padams & Javalis: Expressive pieces highlighting bhakti, love, or philosophical ideas.
- Tillana: A joyful, rhythmic finale showcasing complex footwork.
- Shloka or Mangalam: The concluding prayer, offering gratitude to the Divine, the guru, and the audience.
This structure reflects not only aesthetic progression but also spiritual ascent—from outer preparation to inner communion.
Costumes and Music
The beauty of Bharatanatyam is enhanced by its costumes and music. Dancers wear brightly colored silk sarees stitched into pleated costumes that fan open during movements, emphasizing geometry and grace. Jewelry—often temple-inspired—adorns the head, neck, ears, arms, and waist, while ghungroos (ankle bells) amplify rhythmic footwork.
The music follows the Carnatic tradition, with instruments such as the mridangam, violin, veena, flute, and cymbals. The nattuvanar (conductor) recites rhythmic syllables (solkattu), while vocalists sing compositions, often devotional hymns. Together, they create a sacred soundscape for the dance.
Spiritual Essence
At its core, Bharatanatyam is bhakti yoga expressed through movement. It is said that Shiva himself dances the Ananda Tāṇḍava in Chidambaram, and Bharatanatyam is a reflection of that cosmic rhythm. The dancer becomes an instrument, dissolving ego to allow the deity’s stories to manifest.
For the audience, the performance is darshan—a vision of the Divine. The mudras and expressions are not mere artistry; they are vehicles of truth. The dance becomes a bridge between heaven and earth, performer and devotee, body and spirit.
Evolution and Revival
With the decline of the devadāsī system during colonial times, Bharatanatyam faced the threat of extinction. It was revived in the 20th century by pioneers like Rukmini Devi Arundale, who brought it to the stage while preserving its devotional essence.
Today, Bharatanatyam is performed worldwide, both in temples and theaters. While it has adapted to modern themes, its essence remains devotional. Many dancers continue to dedicate their art to the gods, proving that even outside the temple, Bharatanatyam remains a form of sādhanā.
Symbolism of Bharatanatyam
Beyond the beauty of form, Bharatanatyam encodes deep symbolism:
- The straight spine represents stability of dharma.
- The triangular stance (araimandi) reflects balance between heaven, earth, and the dancer.
- The rhythmic stamping awakens the earth’s energy, making the stage a sacred space.
- The expressions awaken rasa (emotional essence), elevating the audience’s consciousness.
Through this symbolism, the dance teaches harmony of body and spirit, reminding us that life itself is divine choreography.
Modern Relevance
In a world dominated by speed and distraction, Bharatanatyam offers a path back to stillness and devotion. For practitioners, it disciplines the body, purifies the mind, and awakens spiritual awareness. For audiences, it brings connection to India’s timeless traditions.
Beyond India, Bharatanatyam has become a global language of devotion. Performers adapt it to new narratives—environmental awareness, social themes—yet its core remains offering, not entertainment. Its power lies in its ability to transform performance into prayer, and audience into witness.
Conclusion
Bharatanatyam is not simply dance—it is devotion given form. From temple courtyards to world stages, it carries the fragrance of Sanātana Dharma’s eternal truths. Each gesture is a mantra, each rhythm a heartbeat of the cosmos, and each performance a bridge between the human and the divine.
In Bharatanatyam, art and spirituality are inseparable. It endures because it speaks to the deepest yearning of the soul: to express love for the Divine and to merge in the eternal dance of creation. Truly, it is a Dance of Devotion.
