Author: Ram Krishnamani Date: January 8, 2025
Narrated by Shantha Lakshmi
Chapter 9: The Brihadeshwara Temple and the Rise of Bharatanatyam
Chapter 9 of Shall We Dance delves into the intricate relationship between the iconic Brihadeshwara Temple in Thanjavur and the evolution of Bharatanatyam, shedding light on the interplay of architecture, spirituality, and cultural heritage. This chapter unpacks how this architectural marvel served as a cradle for South Indian dance, embedding the essence of Bharatanatyam into its very structure and iconography.
The Brihadeshwara Temple: A Symbol of Spiritual and Cultural Brilliance
The Brihadeshwara Temple, also known as the Big Temple, was built during the reign of Raja Raja Chola I in the 11th century. It is not only an architectural masterpiece but also a spiritual and cultural hub that reflects the zenith of Chola art, architecture, and devotion. The chapter emphasizes the profound symbolism inherent in the temple’s design:
- Vimana (Temple Tower): Representing a cosmic mountain, the vimana is a metaphor for spiritual ascent, symbolizing the soul’s journey toward liberation. The soaring height of the vimana reflects the aspiration to reach the divine.
- Gopuram (Entrance Tower): The gopuram acts as a gateway, marking the transition from the material world into the spiritual realm. It invites devotees to leave behind worldly distractions and enter a sacred space of contemplation and connection.
These elements not only embody architectural grandeur but also resonate deeply with the philosophical and spiritual principles underpinning Bharatanatyam.
The 108 Karanas: Cosmic Dance Embedded in Stone
One of the most striking features of the Brihadeshwara Temple is its depiction of the 108 Karanas, or fundamental dance postures, as described in the Natya Shastra. These postures, intricately carved into the walls, immortalize Shiva’s cosmic dance as Nataraja, representing the interplay of creation, preservation, and destruction.
The chapter explores how the placement of these karanas in temple iconography serves multiple purposes:
- They symbolize the flow of yogic energy, connecting the physical and metaphysical dimensions of existence.
- They provide a visual and instructional reference for Bharatanatyam practitioners, preserving the dance form’s technical precision and spiritual significance.
Through these carvings, the temple becomes both a repository of cultural knowledge and a living testament to the integration of art, architecture, and spirituality.
Bharatanatyam and Temple Rituals
The chapter highlights the role of the Brihadeshwara Temple as a center for devadasis, highly skilled dancers dedicated to temple service. These dancers performed Bharatanatyam as a form of worship, offering their art to the deities and narrating mythological stories through movement and expression. The choreography of these performances often mirrored the architectural and symbolic elements of the temple, creating a seamless blend of art and devotion.
The integration of Bharatanatyam with temple rituals ensured the preservation of the dance form while deepening its connection to spiritual practice. This synergy between architecture and performance made the temple not only a physical structure but also a space for cultural and spiritual enrichment.
Symbolism and Scholarly Perspectives
Drawing from a variety of scholarly sources, the chapter offers a rich, layered understanding of the cultural and historical significance of the Brihadeshwara Temple. It emphasizes how the Chola dynasty, through their patronage of art and architecture, played a pivotal role in the flourishing of Bharatanatyam and other classical art forms.
The chapter also examines the symbolic alignment of the temple’s architectural elements with the principles of Bharatanatyam, illustrating how both art forms are rooted in the same spiritual and cultural ideals. The vimana’s cosmic symbolism, the gopuram’s threshold to the divine, and the karanas’ yogic energy collectively reflect a shared philosophical foundation.
Cultural and Spiritual Legacy
The Brihadeshwara Temple stands as a timeless testament to the intertwined nature of South Indian dance, spirituality, and cultural heritage. The chapter underscores how the temple’s architecture and iconography serve as a bridge between the material and spiritual worlds, encapsulating the essence of Bharatanatyam.
By preserving and propagating these traditions, the temple continues to inspire dancers and devotees alike, reinforcing the cultural identity of South India while showcasing the universal appeal of Bharatanatyam as an art form that transcends boundaries.
