PoojasShiva (Nataraja)Mahashivratri
Bharatanatyam and the Sacred Tradition of Temple Dance
Explore the sacred origins of Bharatanatyam, its connection to the Devadasi tradition, and its role as a form of Bhakti Yoga in Hindu temples.
By Sanatan Hindu AI4 min readUpdated 17 October 2026Audio available
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Introduction
Bharatanatyam is one of the oldest and most sophisticated classical dance forms of India, deeply rooted in the spiritual and cultural fabric of Sanatana Dharma. Far from being mere entertainment, it is a form of 'Natya Yoga'—a disciplined spiritual practice aimed at achieving union with the Divine. The origins of this art form are traditionally traced back to the *Natya Shastra*, an ancient Sanskrit text on the performing arts attributed to the sage Bharata Muni. This foundational scripture provides the theoretical framework for *Nritta* (pure dance), *Nritya* (expressive dance), and *Natya* (dramatic storytelling), establishing dance as a fifth Veda that makes profound spiritual truths accessible to all through movement and emotion.
Historically, Bharatanatyam was inseparable from the temple ecosystem of South India, particularly in the Tamil Nadu region. It was traditionally performed in the *Garbagriha* (sanctum sanctorum) or the *Mandapas* (halls) of grand temples as a form of ritual worship. The dancers, known as *Devadasis* (servants of the Divine), dedicated their lives to the deity, performing sacred dances during daily *upacharas* (offerings) and major festivals. This tradition was not merely a performance but a continuous, living prayer, where every mudra (hand gesture) and bhava (emotion) served as a vehicle to convey the glory of the gods, specifically Shiva in his form as Nataraja, the Cosmic Dancer.
The spiritual essence of Bharatanatyam lies in its ability to bridge the gap between the human and the divine. Through the medium of *Abhinaya* (expression), the dancer portrays various mythological narratives, depicting the struggles of the *Jiva* (individual soul) as it seeks liberation (*Moksha*) through connection with the *Paramatman* (Supreme Soul). Whether it is the playful *Lilas* of Lord Krishna or the fierce cosmic dance of Lord Shiva, the dance becomes a visual manifestation of the eternal interplay between the manifest and the unmanifest.
In the modern era, while the ritualistic context of temple performance has evolved, the core spiritual principles remains intact. The discipline required for Bharatanatyam—mental focus, physical precision, and emotional depth—parallels the rigors of Yoga. To practice Bharatanatyam is to engage in a sacred discipline where the body becomes a temple and the dance becomes an offering of the self to the Divine.
Historically, Bharatanatyam was inseparable from the temple ecosystem of South India, particularly in the Tamil Nadu region. It was traditionally performed in the *Garbagriha* (sanctum sanctorum) or the *Mandapas* (halls) of grand temples as a form of ritual worship. The dancers, known as *Devadasis* (servants of the Divine), dedicated their lives to the deity, performing sacred dances during daily *upacharas* (offerings) and major festivals. This tradition was not merely a performance but a continuous, living prayer, where every mudra (hand gesture) and bhava (emotion) served as a vehicle to convey the glory of the gods, specifically Shiva in his form as Nataraja, the Cosmic Dancer.
The spiritual essence of Bharatanatyam lies in its ability to bridge the gap between the human and the divine. Through the medium of *Abhinaya* (expression), the dancer portrays various mythological narratives, depicting the struggles of the *Jiva* (individual soul) as it seeks liberation (*Moksha*) through connection with the *Paramatman* (Supreme Soul). Whether it is the playful *Lilas* of Lord Krishna or the fierce cosmic dance of Lord Shiva, the dance becomes a visual manifestation of the eternal interplay between the manifest and the unmanifest.
In the modern era, while the ritualistic context of temple performance has evolved, the core spiritual principles remains intact. The discipline required for Bharatanatyam—mental focus, physical precision, and emotional depth—parallels the rigors of Yoga. To practice Bharatanatyam is to engage in a sacred discipline where the body becomes a temple and the dance becomes an offering of the self to the Divine.
Significance
The significance of Bharatanatyam transcends aesthetic beauty, embedding itself deeply in the theological and philosophical structures of Hinduism. At its core, the dance is an embodiment of *Bhakti Yoga* (the path of devotion). By portraying the longing of the devotee for the Divine, the dancer uses *Shringara Rasa* (the emotion of love/eroticism) not in a worldly sense, but as a metaphor for the soul's intense yearning for God. This concept, often termed 'Madhura Bhakti', allows the practitioner to transcend the ego and achieve a state of spiritual ecstasy.
Religiously, Bharatanatyam is inextricably linked to the iconography of Lord Shiva as Nataraja. The *Ananda Tandava*, or the Dance of Bliss, symbolizes the five cosmic acts: *Srishti* (creation), *Sthiti* (preservation), *Samhara* (destruction), *Tirobhava* (illusion), and *Anugraha* (grace). A Bharatanatyam dancer mirrors these cosmic rhythms through their footwork (*Adavus*) and rhythmic cycles (*Talas*), making the dance a microcosm of the universe's constant movement and transformation.
Culturally, the tradition has served as a repository of Hindu mythology, literature, and social values for centuries. Through the recitation of verses from the *Agamas*, *Puranas*, and the works of the Alvars and Nayanars, Bharatanatyam has preserved the sacred hymns and stories that define the Hindu identity. It acts as a visual scripture, teaching the nuances of Dharma, Karma, and the various incarnations of the deities to the masses.
Furthermore, the practice offers profound psychological and physical benefits. The intense concentration required for *Abhinaya* fosters mindfulness, while the rigorous physical training builds discipline and resilience. In a spiritual context, the 'phala' or fruit of this practice is the refinement of the senses and the purification of the heart (*Chitta Shuddhi*), preparing the practitioner for deeper meditative states. It is an offering of 'Kala' (art) as 'Seva' (service), where the artist seeks no personal glory but aims to reflect the divine light through their movements.
Religiously, Bharatanatyam is inextricably linked to the iconography of Lord Shiva as Nataraja. The *Ananda Tandava*, or the Dance of Bliss, symbolizes the five cosmic acts: *Srishti* (creation), *Sthiti* (preservation), *Samhara* (destruction), *Tirobhava* (illusion), and *Anugraha* (grace). A Bharatanatyam dancer mirrors these cosmic rhythms through their footwork (*Adavus*) and rhythmic cycles (*Talas*), making the dance a microcosm of the universe's constant movement and transformation.
Culturally, the tradition has served as a repository of Hindu mythology, literature, and social values for centuries. Through the recitation of verses from the *Agamas*, *Puranas*, and the works of the Alvars and Nayanars, Bharatanatyam has preserved the sacred hymns and stories that define the Hindu identity. It acts as a visual scripture, teaching the nuances of Dharma, Karma, and the various incarnations of the deities to the masses.
Furthermore, the practice offers profound psychological and physical benefits. The intense concentration required for *Abhinaya* fosters mindfulness, while the rigorous physical training builds discipline and resilience. In a spiritual context, the 'phala' or fruit of this practice is the refinement of the senses and the purification of the heart (*Chitta Shuddhi*), preparing the practitioner for deeper meditative states. It is an offering of 'Kala' (art) as 'Seva' (service), where the artist seeks no personal glory but aims to reflect the divine light through their movements.
Auspicious Time
Traditionally performed during temple festivals, auspicious morning hours for practice, or during specific Sandhyavandanam times to align with cosmic rhythms.
Find your exact auspicious time Check the shubh muhurat and choghadiya for your city and date.
Required Samagri (Materials)
✦Temple or dedicated dance space (Arangam)
✦Oil lamp (Deepam) to invoke the presence of the Divine
✦Flowers (Pushpam) for offering to the deity
✦Traditional dance attire (Saree/Kostume)
✦Ghungroo (Salangai/Bells) to mark rhythmic patterns
✦Incense (Dhupa) to purify the atmosphere
Preparation Steps
- 1Purify the space by cleaning the dance floor and lighting incense.
- 2Perform a simple prayer or Shlokas to Lord Ganesha to remove obstacles.
- 3Light the sacred lamp (Deepam) facing East or North.
- 4Apply Tilak or Bindi to the forehead to focus the 'Ajna Chakra'.
- 5Don the Ghungroo (bells) with reverence, treating them as sacred objects.
Steps
- 1Invocation: Start by offering Namaskaram to the Earth (Bhumi Devi) to seek permission to dance upon her.
- 2Guru Vandanam: Pay respect to the Guru (teacher) and the lineage of masters through mental or physical salutation.
- 3Deity Worship: Offer a brief prayer to Nataraja or the presiding deity of the temple/space.
- 4Warm-up: Begin with basic Adavus (steps) to align the body's energy (Prana) with the rhythm.
- 5Alarippu: Perform the first piece, which is a pure dance invocation involving symmetrical movements to awaken the senses.
- 6Jatiswaram: Move into melodic sequences that combine rhythm and melody, focusing on technical precision.
- 7Varnam: The centerpiece of the performance, combining complex Nritta and intense Abhinaya to depict spiritual narratives.
- 8Conclusion: End with a Thillana (joyous rhythmic dance) followed by a final Namaskaram to the deity, teacher, and audience.
Mantras
Ganesha Invocation
वक्रतुण्ड महाकाय सूर्यकोटि समप्रभ। निर्विघ्नं कुरु मे देव सर्वकार्येषु सर्वदा॥
Vakratunda Mahakaya Suryakoti Samaprabha | Nirvighnam Kuru Me Deva Sarva-Karyeshu Sarvada ||
Meaning: O Lord with the curved trunk and massive body, whose splendor is equal to millions of suns, please make all my endeavors free of obstacles, always.
Nataraja Stotram (Excerpt)
जटाटवीगलज्ज्वालाफलतापावकप्रवाह पावितस्थले।
Jatā-ṭavī-galaj-jvalā-phalatā-pāva-ka-pravāha-pāvita-sthale
Meaning: Whose holy place is purified by the flow of fire from the forest of His matted hair...
Do's
- ✓Always seek blessings from the Guru before practicing.
- ✓Maintain eye contact (Drishti) as per the principle 'Yato Hasta Tato Drishti'.
- ✓Treat the Ghungroo with extreme respect; never step on them.
- ✓Focus on the 'Bhava' (emotion) rather than just the 'Mudra' (gesture).
Don'ts
- ✗Do not perform dance in an impure state or disrespectful attire.
- ✗Do not view dance as mere physical exercise; maintain the spiritual intent.
- ✗Avoid ego-driven performances; remember the dance is an offering.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- •Focusing solely on technical speed while neglecting emotional expression (Abhinaya).
- •Neglecting the spiritual connection to the deity during performance.
- •Incorrect hand mudra positioning which changes the intended meaning.
Regional Variations
- •The Tanjore style (Tanjavur) is the most prominent classical lineage.
- •Kalakshetra style emphasizes structural precision and linear geometry.
- •Pandanallur style is known for its expansive and vigorous movements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bharatanatyam a religious practice?▾
While it is an art form that can be performed secularly, its roots and highest expression are deeply religious, serving as a form of Bhakti Yoga and ritual worship.
What is the significance of the Nataraja icon in dance?▾
Nataraja represents the cosmic cycle of creation and destruction. Dancers emulate his movements to connect with the rhythm of the universe.
Popular Tools
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References & Traditional Notes
- •Refer to the Natya Shastra for authentic Mudra meanings.
- •The Abhinaya Darpana is a crucial text for learning expressive gestures.
- •Traditional lineages (Parampara) are vital for authentic transmission of knowledge.
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Temple or dedicated dance space (Arangam)Oil lamp (Deepam) to invoke the presence of the DivineFlowers (Pushpam) for offering to the deityTraditional dance attire (Saree/Kostume)Ghungroo (Salangai/Bells) to mark rhythmic patternsIncense (Dhupa) to purify the atmosphere
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BharatanatyamTemple DanceNatarajaHinduismBhakti Yoga