Bharatanatyam, an ancient classical dance form originating from Tamil Nadu, is deeply intertwined with the spiritual, mental, and cultural fabric of Hinduism. It is not merely a form of artistic expression but a sadhana (spiritual practice) that integrates the mind, body, and spirit. Traditionally, it was performed in temples as an offering to the divine, and its spiritual essence continues to play a significant role in modern practice.
Here’s an expanded look at the spiritual, mental, and physical benefits of Bharatanatyam, along with practical day-to-day solutions for incorporating it into one's lifestyle, its impact on well-being, and mantras to be chanted before practice.
10 Benefits of Bharatanatyam:
Spiritual Connection: Bharatanatyam is rooted in the Hindu bhakti (devotion) tradition. The dancer often enacts stories of deities like Krishna, Shiva, and Devi, creating a connection between the performer and the divine. This fosters spiritual growth and a sense of inner peace.
Mindfulness and Focus: The intricate hand gestures (mudras), footwork, and facial expressions (abhinaya) require complete attention and coordination. This practice enhances mindfulness, trains the mind to focus, and builds concentration, similar to meditation.
Emotional Catharsis: By expressing various rasas (emotions) such as love, anger, compassion, and devotion through dance, Bharatanatyam provides a medium for emotional release, helping practitioners to process and balance their emotions in a healthy way.
Improves Memory and Cognitive Function: Memorizing and performing complex sequences of adavus (basic dance steps), mudras, and choreography improves memory and cognitive functioning, stimulating brain activity and enhancing mental clarity.
Physical Strength and Flexibility: Bharatanatyam is an intense physical workout that improves posture, core strength, and flexibility. Regular practice strengthens the muscles, improves endurance, and promotes balance, aiding in overall physical well-being.
Stress Reduction: The rhythmic movements and spiritual focus help calm the nervous system, releasing stress and tension from the body. It is comparable to yoga and pranayama (breath control) in its ability to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
Increased Self-Awareness and Confidence: The self-expression and discipline required in Bharatanatyam help cultivate a deeper awareness of oneself. This, in turn, builds self-confidence and helps develop a grounded, poised personality.
Cultural and Spiritual Awareness: Learning the mythology, scriptures, and philosophy behind Bharatanatyam fosters a deeper understanding of Hindu culture, heritage, and spirituality. It nurtures respect for the traditions and values of Hinduism.
Social Interaction and Emotional Bonding: Whether performed solo or in groups, Bharatanatyam encourages interaction, communication, and collaboration. This strengthens social bonds, fosters teamwork, and cultivates a sense of community and shared purpose.
Detoxifies the Mind and Body: Bharatanatyam is a form of moving meditation. It detoxifies the body through sweating and detoxifies the mind by helping the practitioner shed ego and distractions, bringing about an inner transformation and purification.
Practical Day-to-Day Solutions:
- Daily Rituals: Practicing Bharatanatyam even for 15–30 minutes a day can significantly enhance mindfulness, physical fitness, and mental clarity.
- Spiritual Focus: Before practice, chant a mantra and set an intention or sankalpa for your session, whether it’s to focus on devotion, mindfulness, or emotional expression.
- Posture and Breath Control: Pay attention to posture (araimandi stance) and breath. This improves body alignment and stimulates energy flow, much like yoga.
- Devotional Offering: Treat your practice as an offering to the divine. This shifts the mindset from performance to devotion, reducing ego and enhancing spiritual benefits.
Impact on Physical, Mental, and Social Well-Being:
Physical Well-being: Bharatanatyam improves overall physical health, enhancing cardiovascular fitness, flexibility, and muscular strength. The symmetrical and balanced movements help align the body and correct posture, leading to fewer musculoskeletal problems. Over time, the body becomes more flexible and agile, while stamina and endurance improve.
Mental Well-being: Bharatanatyam serves as a powerful tool for mental well-being. It reduces stress by engaging the mind fully in the art form, distracting it from daily worries. Its repetitive, rhythmic patterns have a calming, meditative effect on the mind. The connection between movements and emotions helps dancers release repressed feelings, fostering emotional healing and stability.
Social Well-being: Dancing with others in a group fosters camaraderie, trust, and shared joy. It teaches patience, communication, and collaboration, which strengthen social relationships and contribute to a sense of belonging. Additionally, performing in front of others builds confidence, reduces social anxiety, and enhances self-esteem.
How Bharatanatyam Affects Personality:
Discipline: The rigorous practice demands dedication, discipline, and perseverance, which naturally spill over into other aspects of life, fostering a more organized and focused personality.
Poise and Grace: Bharatanatyam cultivates a calm and graceful demeanor. The movements are not only powerful but also refined, reflecting balance and elegance. These traits become part of the dancer’s personality, resulting in graceful body language.
Confidence: Performing in front of an audience helps dancers develop stage presence and confidence. They learn to overcome stage fright, and this newfound confidence positively impacts personal and professional life.
Empathy: Bharatanatyam involves portraying different emotions and characters, enhancing emotional intelligence and empathy. Dancers become more understanding and compassionate in their interactions with others.
Mantras to Chant Before Bharatanatyam:
Before beginning Bharatanatyam, dancers often seek blessings from deities, especially Nataraja, the cosmic dancer (a form of Lord Shiva), to invoke divine grace for their practice. Here are a few traditional mantras that can be chanted:
Nataraja Mantra: “Om Namo Bhagavate Natarajaya Namah”
This mantra is dedicated to Lord Nataraja. It helps invoke His blessings for grace, rhythm, and balance in the dance.
Shiva Dhyanam (Meditation on Lord Shiva): "Angikam bhuvanam yasya
Vachikam sarva vangmayam
Aharyam chandra taradi
Tam namah satvikam shivam."Translation: The entire universe is His body, all forms of speech are His language, the moon and stars are His ornaments, I bow to the peaceful and benevolent Lord Shiva.
Guru Stotram: "Gurur Brahma Gurur Vishnu
Gurur Devo Maheshwaraha
Gurur Saakshat Para Brahma
Tasmai Shree Guruve Namaha."This is a prayer to the Guru (teacher), seeking blessings and guidance for wisdom, skill, and grace in the dance.
Lesser-Known Facts About Bharatanatyam:
- Rooted in Natya Shastra: Bharatanatyam is based on the principles of Natya Shastra, an ancient Sanskrit text by Bharata Muni, which describes the spiritual purpose of art as a means of connecting with the divine.
- Devadasi Tradition: Historically, Bharatanatyam was performed by devadasis, women dedicated to serving deities in temples. Though the tradition evolved over time, the devotional essence remains.
- Healing Dance: Bharatanatyam is also used as a therapeutic tool. Dance therapy integrates Bharatanatyam movements to help individuals with emotional or psychological issues release trauma and reconnect with their body.
- Use of the Five Elements: Bharatanatyam reflects the five elements of nature (earth, water, fire, air, and ether) through its adavus and expressions. Practicing with awareness of these elements enhances spiritual connection and body balance.
Bharatanatyam is more than a dance form; it is a holistic practice that integrates physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Its spiritual roots, discipline, and expressive nature shape an individual's personality, promoting self-awareness, mindfulness, and emotional balance. Incorporating Bharatanatyam into daily life fosters a deeper connection to the divine, enhances physical health, and cultivates mental clarity. Through mantras and devotion, this practice becomes a sacred offering, creating harmony within and with the world around.