Author: Ram Krishnamani Date: January 8, 2025
In this chapter of Shall We Dance, Shantha Lakshmi delves into the Brihadeshwara Temple in Thanjavur, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a monumental testament to the Chola dynasty’s architectural genius. She highlights the temple’s profound symbolism and connection to Bharatanatyam, showcasing how its design and carvings intertwine with the spiritual and cultural essence of this classical dance form.
The Vimana and Gopuram: Architectural Symbolism
Shantha begins by exploring the two key architectural elements of the Brihadeshwara Temple:
- Vimana (Tower over the Sanctum):
- The Vimana is a towering pyramid-shaped structure that rises above the temple’s inner sanctum. Shantha explains that it symbolizes the divine presence and the spiritual ascent of the soul toward enlightenment.
- The Vimana’s intricate carvings include depictions of Bharatanatyam’s foundational movements, linking the physical architecture to the metaphysical aspects of dance.
- Gopuram (Entrance Tower):
- The Gopuram serves as the grand entrance to the temple, marking the transition from the material world to the spiritual realm.
- Shantha emphasizes its role as a gateway, inviting devotees and visitors to embark on a journey of spiritual exploration, guided by the sacred art and stories etched into its walls.
Through these elements, the temple is not only a place of worship but also a repository of cultural heritage, connecting the divine and the earthly through its design.
Integration of the Karanas
The Brihadeshwara Temple uniquely integrates 81 of the 108 Karanas, foundational dance movements as described in the Natya Shastra. These Karanas are carved into both the Vimana and the Gopuram, creating a visual narrative of Shiva’s cosmic dance.
- The Cosmic Dance of Shiva:
- Shantha explains that the Karanas represent the dynamic energy of Shiva as Nataraja, the Cosmic Dancer, embodying the cycles of creation, preservation, and destruction.
- The carvings are not merely decorative but act as spiritual guides, offering a path for devotees and dancers to connect with the divine.
- Yogic Energy and Spiritual Journey:
- The placement of the Karanas in the temple mirrors the flow of kundalini energy—the spiritual energy believed to rise through the body’s chakras.
- Shantha draws parallels between the architectural ascent from the Gopuram to the Vimana and the spiritual ascent within Bharatanatyam, where the dancer’s movements symbolize the awakening of consciousness.
Fusion of Dance, Architecture, and Spirituality
Shantha highlights how the Brihadeshwara Temple represents the perfect confluence of art, architecture, and spirituality. The integration of Bharatanatyam’s movements into the temple’s design reinforces the idea that dance is not just an art form but a sacred offering, a way to align the physical with the divine.
- Dance as Devotion: Bharatanatyam’s connection to temple rituals is underscored, with the Karanas serving as an extension of prayer and meditation.
- Architecture as Storytelling: The carvings on the temple walls narrate mythological stories and celebrate the cosmic rhythm, inviting viewers to contemplate the universe’s harmony.
- Spiritual Expression: The temple’s design reflects the metaphysical essence of Bharatanatyam, where every movement, gesture, and pose embodies divine energy.
Cultural and Metaphysical Expression
Shantha concludes by reflecting on the enduring legacy of the Brihadeshwara Temple and its profound influence on Bharatanatyam. By integrating dance into its architecture, the temple not only preserves the art form but also elevates it as a cultural and spiritual practice.
This chapter beautifully illustrates how the Brihadeshwara Temple serves as a living testament to the unity of dance, architecture, and spirituality, reaffirming Bharatanatyam’s role as a divine expression of India’s cultural heritage.
