BHARATHANATYAM

Expression of Divine Love

There is a legend that Lord Shiva, one of the Hindu trinity, was the originator of the dance. 'Bharatha Muni' is said to have learned the basics of  dance from Lord Shiva, and codified the principles in his book 'Natyashastra', written in Sanskrit. The original text is still preserved in the temple libraries of Tanjore, the home of Bharathanatyam. The name 'Bharatha' is made up of the first three syllables of ‘bhava’ – the inner spiritual feelings; ‘raga' -the melody; and 'thala' - the rhythm. Bharathanatyam is normally practiced by women.