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The origin of dance is ascribed to Vedic
times with a purpose to please the natural forces. Various modes of
worship were introduced – the worship of Dikpalas (the guardian deities
of the eight directions being south, north, east west, south east, south
west, north east, north west) and then Trinity (Brahma, Vishnu,
Maheswara) and Indra as king of the gods. Dance during the Vedic age
became part of the rituals to propitiate these gods and win their
favors. (‘Classical dance heritage of Karnataka’ edited by Dr. Choodamani Nandagopal, chapter ‘Dance heritage of Karnataka,’ Dr. Choodamani Nandagopal, 2012) |
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A very old Kannada inscription from Pattadakkal (Karnataka) from early
Chalukyan times (8th c AD) speaks of “Hail! The pillars of Challabbe,
the harlot of the temple of Sri Vijayeswara.” She was the famous
devadasi who got the pillars made as the votive offerings to god. (‘Classical dance heritage of Karnataka’ edited by Dr. Choodamani Nandagopal, chapter ‘Dance heritage of Karnataka,’ Dr. Choodamani Nandagopal, 2012) |
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While most of the kuravanjis are Saivite in theme, the Azhagar Kuravanji
by kavi Kunjara Bharati (1810-1896) is Vaishnavite. Composed around
1840, the story centres around Sundaraja Perumal, the presiding deity of
Azhagar Koil in Madurai district. (‘Bharatanatyam: Indian Classical Dance,’ Dr. Sunil Kothari) |
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