Bharatanatyam, a revered Indian classical dance form, has a deep-rooted connection with divinity. Originating in the temples of Tamil Nadu, Bharatanatyam celebrates spirituality, drawing inspiration from Hindu deities and myths. As we delve into the role of God in Bharatanatyam, we discover the profound ways in which this art form intertwines dance, devotion, and divinity.
The Origins of Bharatanatyam and Its Spiritual Roots
The history of Bharatanatyam traces back over 2,000 years. Originally known as “Sadir,” it was performed by temple dancers called devadasis as a sacred ritual. Bharatanatyam’s initial purpose was to express devotion to the gods through rhythm, movement, and storytelling. This devotional dance, believed to have divine origins, was created to honor the deities and perform spiritual service. The form evolved over centuries but retained its strong foundation in divine inspiration and reverence for the gods.
Bharatanatyam embodies four primary elements—Bha (expression), Ra (melody), Ta (rhythm), and Natyam (dance), blending expression and spirituality into a form of worship. A very interesting interpretation of Bharatanatyam given by the legendary musician Dr. Balamurali Krishna is “Bhaaram Tarayati It Bharatam” – which translates into “The one that removes your sorrows”.
In Bharatanatyam classes today, students learn not only the dance techniques but also its spiritual aspects, honoring the art’s sacred origins.
Divine Figures in Bharatanatyam
Celebration of the Divine is central to Bharatanatyam’s choreography and storytelling. Dancers commonly portray the divine forms of Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, Goddess Parvati, and Krishna, among others. These portrayals are not just stories; they represent ideals of grace, strength, and compassion that inspire both the performer and the audience. Male Deities such as Lord Shiva, Ganesha, Subrahmanya, Vishnu, Brahma and other Devatas and Female Deities such as Parvathy, Lakshmi, Saraswati and Celestial Goddesses are all represented as human forms where they exhibit emotions and connections similar to what we can resonate with. Itihasas and Puranas were propagated with the sole aim of inspiring the goodness and magnanimity among the readers and listeners and the ill-effects of bad deeds.
Spiritual Practices in Bharatanatyam Classes
Bharatanatyam classes emphasise the importance of discipline, reverence, and dedication. Each dance class begins with prayers and respect for the dance floor, seen as sacred ground. Students learn that Bharatanatyam is more than technical movements; it is a journey towards spiritual expression. Through learning mudras (hand gestures) and abhinaya (expression), dancers communicate emotions, myths, and divine stories.
Instructors encourage dancers to connect deeply with the themes they portray, creating a personal link with the divine figures they represent. For example, when performing the different roles of deities, dancers not only master the choreography but strive to channel the god’s essence, embodying his powerful yet serene presence. This spiritual aspect makes Bharatanatyam both an art form and a form of worship.
The Importance of Rasa: A Spiritual Connection with the Audience
Bharatanatyam aims to evoke rasa—the emotional experience shared between performer and audience. Rasa is the soul of Bharatanatyam, allowing the audience to feel the divinity being expressed on stage. In performances, dancers embody gods, bringing the audience closer to the divine through their portrayal. This connection has a lasting impact, making Bharatanatyam a spiritually transformative experience for both dancers and viewers.
The storytelling aspect, combined with intricate footwork and expressive gestures, serves to draw the audience into a mystical experience. The audience is encouraged to let go of the material world and immerse themselves in the dance, feeling a connection to the divine narratives performed.
The Role of Bharatanatyam Today: From Temples to Global Stage
While Bharatanatyam has its origins in temples, it has transitioned onto global stages, reaching a diverse audience. The sacred essence of Bharatanatyam, however, remains intact. Today, dancers around the world practice Bharatanatyam, taking it beyond India’s borders while preserving its spiritual foundation. Instructors of Bharatanatyam classes emphasise the cultural and divine heritage, ensuring that students recognize the dance’s origins and deeper significance.
As the dance form has spread globally, it continues to inspire audiences with its depictions of God and divine stories. From its traditional roots to modern interpretations, Bharatanatyam remains a powerful reminder of spirituality’s role in the arts.
Final Thoughts
Bharatanatyam’s beauty lies not only in its technical mastery but in its divine connection. Rooted in devotion, Bharatanatyam allows dancers to act as vessels of the divine, embodying gods and sharing their stories. This art form’s history as a temple dance is preserved and celebrated even today in Bharatanatyam classes worldwide.
Bharatanatyam is more than a classical dance; it is a bridge to spirituality. As dancers perform with grace, poise, and dedication, they invoke the presence of gods, merging art with divinity. In the end, Bharatanatyam offers a spiritual experience, transporting both dancer and audience to a sacred space where dance becomes a dialogue with the divine.
Whether you are a student, performer, or viewer, Bharatanatyam’s spiritual essence reminds us of the divine beauty within and around us, making it a truly timeless form of art and devotion.