Author: Ram Krishnamani Date: January 8, 2025
Shall We Dance : Karanas
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In this Chapter Shantha discusses in detail the theme of dance imagery in Bharatanatyam, focusing on the 108 Karanas described in the Natya Shastra as foundational movements created by Nataraja, symbolizing spiritual liberation.
Shantha goes on to highlight the sacred origins of the Karanas, with their intricate leg, hip, body, and arm movements paired with hasta mudras.
Shantha further goes on to discuss the prominence of these dance forms is reflected in South Indian temple sculptures, where they serve as visual representations of spiritual and ritualistic practices.
Key temples like Rajaraja Temple in Thanjavur and Chidambaram’s Nataraja Temple feature these reliefs, emphasizing their significance beyond decorative purposes.
Shantha questions Ram about the temples in South India where these 108 Karanas are present and goes to add that these would include : Vriddachalam Temple, Sarangapani Temple, Arunachaleshwara Temple, a temple in Satara, and BRIHADEESHWARA TEMPLE in Thanjavur (also called The BIG Temple).
