A comparative study of hastas in south indian classical dances and mudras in the rituals of tantravidya of kerala

Abstract

The connection of art and spirituality is as old as humanity. Both art and tantra are interrelated and there are many aspects that are common in both.Viand#347;nudharmottaraPurand#257;and#7751;a refers to the divine origin of the arts. Abhinavagupta says in his commentary on Nand#257;tyaand#347;and#257;stra, the Pañcamaveda that the entire 36 chapters of Bharatasamhita are devised on the 36 fundamental elements of the Tantraand#347;and#257;stra. Bharata himself says that those who sing and dance the caritas of Lord and#346;iva will attain the and#346;iva-loka. He says no performance should be begun without Ranga-pand#363;ja (worship of the stage) and that those who neglect this ritual will be ruined.If we see the tradition of Kerala temple, one can understand that dance, music and instruments are the integral part of Pand#363;javidhi in Kerala. In the system of and#346;odaand#347;aupacand#257;rapand#363;ja, Nand#7771;ttamidam (dance), Vand#257;dyamidam (instruments) and Rajopacand#257;ramidam (treatment like King) should be offered to the God during Prasannapand#363;ja (pand#363;ja which comes after naivedya-food). newline