About Abhinayadarpana

Abhinayadarpana, meaning “Mirror of Expression,” is a classical Sanskrit text attributed to Nandikeswara. It serves as a foundational guide to the art of expression in Indian classical dance, especially Bharatanatyam. The text explains various aspects of Abhinaya, including gestures, body movements, and facial expressions.

It provides detailed explanations of:

  • Shiro Bheda (Head Movements)
  • Greeva Bheda (Neck Movements)
  • Drishti Bheda (Eye Movements)

Shirobheda (Head Movements) – 9 Types

Shira means “head” in Sanskrit. These movements help express different emotions (bhava).

  • Samam – Head straight
  • Udvahitam – Look up
  • Adhomukham – Look down
  • Alolitam – Circular movement
  • Dhutam – Side-to-side movement
  • Kampitam – Nod up and down
  • Paravrittam – Turn head quickly to sides
  • Ukshiptam – Tilted and raised head
  • Parivahittam – Gentle quick shakes

Sloka

" Sama udvahitam adhomukha-lolitam dhutam
Kampitam cha paravrittam ukshiptam parivahitam
Navadha kathitam shirasa natyashastra visharadaihi "


Drishtibheda (Eye Movements) – 8 Types

Drishti means “eyes.” These movements are essential for expressing emotions and storytelling.

  • Samam – Eyes steady
  • Alokitam – Circular eye movement
  • Saachi – Side glance
  • Pralokitam – Eyes move side to side
  • Nimilitam – Half-closed eyes
  • Ullokitam – Look upwards
  • Anuvrittam – Rapid up and down movement
  • Avalokitam – Look down

Sloka

" Samam alokitam saachi pralokita nimilitam
Ullokita anuvritte cha tatha chaiva avalokitam
Ityashto drishti bhedaha syu kirtitah purvasuribhi "


Greevabheda (Neck Movements) – 4 Types

Greeva means “neck.” These movements add grace and fluidity to dance.

  • Sundari – Side-to-side movement (Attami)
  • Tirashchina – V-shaped movement
  • Parivartita – Semi-circular movement
  • Prakampita – Forward and backward movement

Sloka

" Sundari cha tirashchina tathaiva parivartita
Prakampita cha bhavagnair gneya greeva chaturvidha "


Importance in Bharatanatyam

  • Enhances expression and storytelling
  • Adds grace and precision to movements
  • Helps convey emotions effectively

Conclusion

The Abhinayadarpana beautifully explains the art of expression through head, neck, and eye movements. These elements are essential for every Bharatanatyam dancer to master, as they bring life and emotion to the performance.