The Four Vedas
The ‘Natya Veda’ is the reason Bharathanatyam (and this website)
exists however I feel the four other Vedas which also seem important
to not get enough mention.
To begin, ‘Veda’ is derived from the Sanskrit word for ‘to know’ [1] and
are considered the oldest records of Sanskrit literature This is
because they are believed to contain the fundamental knowedge
relating to the function of existence [2]. Before textbooks and
websites, the Vedas existed in oral form and were passed from
generations as was done in the Guru-Shishya tradition which you can
read more about here! Interestingly, due to this, the Vedas were
hence regarded as ‘Shruti’ – Sanskrit for hearing [3] – as opposed to
Smrithi – literally what is remembered that related to texts such as
Mahabharatha [4]. The four vedas are:
What was
Vedas derived? Details
Rig ‘Pathya’ (lyrics) Oldest veda
Considered the foundation of Indian classical
dance and music
‘Geetham’
(melodies and Not to be read as text but more like a musical
Sama chant) score
Two types – ‘Krishna’ (dark) and ‘Shukla’
(bright) where ‘Krishna’ veda is an unarranged
‘Abinayam‘ collection of verses whereas Shukla has clear
Yajur (Expression) and arranged verses.
Atharv Contains many hymns considered charms
a ‘Rasa‘ and spells
Dhyana/ Thiyana Slokam
The Dhyana Slokam is a Sanskrit word for the ‘Chant of Meditation’.
Each God has their own Dhyana Slokam and in Bharatanatyam, we
earn about the one describing Lord Nataraja,
If anybody is worried that they have forgotten The Dhyana Slokam or
is learning ti for the first time, here it is in table form (I love tables!
) with the meaning!
Sanskrit Sloka Meaning
Angikam Body
Bhuvanam World (or universe)
Yasya Question
Vachikam Speech
Sarva Everyone
Vaanmayam Language
Aaharyam Jewellery
Chandra Moon
Taaradi Stars
Tum You
Numah Bowing
Satvikam Pure
Sivam Lord Shiva
Origins of the name ‘Bharathanatyam’
Bharathantyam originated from South India. The lord of dance is
Nataraja. Kalakshetra is a prestigious arts academy established by
Rukmini Devi Arundale on the 6th January 1936. Bharathantyam was
originally known as ‘Daasiaatam’, ‘Sinna Mellam’ or ‘Sathir’ but
Rukmini Devi Arundale identified Bharathantyam as a pure dance and
renamed it Bharathanatyam. There are many theories behind the
name ‘Bharathanatyam’.
BHAvam, RAgam, THAlam and NATiYAM
Bharathantyam is from India and India was also called Bharatar
Bharatha Muni – the author of the Natya Shastra
Who is BharathaMuni
He was the father of Indian Drama.
He shared the Natya Veda, created by Bhrama, with humans.
He wrote the Natya Shastra
What is Ashta Dikpalakas?
Ashta Dikpalaka, an Introduction Ashta Dikpalaka can be called as the guardian
deities of the directions. They are eight in number, and every one of them is believed
to be the ruler of one of the 8 directions or the eight quarters of the universe
Name Direction
Kubera The God of Fortune North
Yama The God of Justice and Death South
Indra The Lord of Heaven and God of the Weather,
East
Sky, Rain, and Storms
Varuna, God of the Seas, Oceans, and Rain West
Ishana, God of Birth, Death, Resurrection, and Time Northeast
Southeast (In the image incorrectly
Agni God of Fire
shown on southwest)
Vayu God of the Winds and Air Northwest
Southwest (In the image incorrectly
Nirṛta God of Death, Sorrow, and Decay[3][4]
shown on southeast)
Aadi Talam
For Aadi taaLam, first beat the palm of the hand (1), then tap the fingers pinky (2),
ring finger (3), middle finger(4). Then beat palm (5), turn the hand over and tap or
wave the back of the hand (6), palm (7), back (8). This is one cycle and has 8 beats.
This cycle will repeat throughout the song.
Rupaka Talam
For Rupaka Talam, first start with Drtham , then beat the palm of the hand , count
the small finger , ring finger followed by the middle finger. It totals to 6 beats
because of the 1 Drtham ( 2 beats) and Charusrutha JAthi lagu ( 4 beats).
