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The Evolution and Contemporary Nature of Bharatanatyam in Temples – A Study
Subject area: Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities · Area of research: Bharatanatyam and Temple Dance Studies
Abstract
Bharatanatyam stands as one of India’s ancient classical dance traditions and has evolved as an art form deeply connected to the temples of Tamil Nadu. The art of dance played a pivotal role in conveying temple worship traditions, festivals, rituals, and religious concepts to the public. Specifically, the artistic nuances of Bharatanatyam were transmitted across generations within temples through the Devadasi tradition, music and dance artists, and the Nattuvanar lineage. Over time, as a result of social, political, and cultural changes, the dance traditions prevalent in temples underwent transformations, and Bharatanatyam acquired a new dimension as a performing art for the stage. This study examines the historical background of the origin and growth of Bharatanatyam within the temple context, as well as its artistic and religious functions. Furthermore, it analyzes the transition of Bharatanatyam from the temple environment to auditoriums, stages, educational institutions, and modern performance venues. The study also focuses on contemporary aspects such as the modes of performance in temples, the nature of the events, the selection of themes, the format of the Arangetram (debut performance), and the use of modern technology. Ultimately, the primary objective of this research is to identify the continuity, transformation, and contemporary characteristics of the temple-based Bharatanatyam tradition.
Keywords
Bharatanatyam, temple, temple worship, Devadasi tradition, Nattuvanar tradition, classical dance form, temple art, stage performance art, art and culture, contemporary style.
References
[1] A.-M. Gaston, Bharata Natyam: From Temple to Theatre. New Delhi, India: Manohar Publishers, 1996.
[2] S. C. Kersenboom, Nityasumangali: Devadasi Tradition in South India. New Delhi, India: Motilal Banarsidass, 1987.
[3] D. Soneji, Unfinished Gestures: Devadasis, Memory, and Modernity in South India. Chicago, IL, USA: University of Chicago Press, 2012.
[4] K. Vatsyayan, Classical Indian Dance in Literature and the Arts. New Delhi, India: Sangeet Natak Akademi, 1977.
[5] M. H. Allen, Rewriting the Script for South Indian Dance. Chicago, IL, USA: University of Chicago Press, 1997.
[6] U. A. Coorlawala, “The Sanskritized body,” Dance Research Journal, 1994.
[7] A. Srinivasan, “Reform and revival: The Devadasi and her dance,” Economic and Political Weekly, vol. 20, no. 44, 1985.
[8] L. Viswanathan, Women of Pride: The Devadasi Heritage. New Delhi, India: Roli Books, 2008.
How to cite this paper
@article{1723371,
author = {Parameswaran Roshanth},
title = {The Evolution and Contemporary Nature of Bharatanatyam in Temples – A Study},
journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
year = {2026},
volume = {10},
number = {3},
pages = {3157-3162},
issn = {2456-8880},
url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1723371.pdf},
abstract = {Bharatanatyam stands as one of India’s ancient classical dance traditions and has evolved as an art form deeply connected to the temples of Tamil Nadu. The art of dance played a pivotal role in conveying temple worship traditions, festivals, rituals, and religious concepts to the public. Specifically, the artistic nuances of Bharatanatyam were transmitted across generations within temples through the Devadasi tradition, music and dance artists, and the Nattuvanar lineage. Over time, as a result of social, political, and cultural changes, the dance traditions prevalent in temples underwent transformations, and Bharatanatyam acquired a new dimension as a performing art for the stage.
This study examines the historical background of the origin and growth of Bharatanatyam within the temple context, as well as its artistic and religious functions. Furthermore, it analyzes the transition of Bharatanatyam from the temple environment to auditoriums, stages, educational institutions, and modern performance venues. The study also focuses on contemporary aspects such as the modes of performance in temples, the nature of the events, the selection of themes, the format of the Arangetram (debut performance), and the use of modern technology. Ultimately, the primary objective of this research is to identify the continuity, transformation, and contemporary characteristics of the temple-based Bharatanatyam tradition.},
keywords = {Bharatanatyam, temple, temple worship, Devadasi tradition, Nattuvanar tradition, classical dance form, temple art, stage performance art, art and culture, contemporary style.},
month = {September},
}