Bharatanatyam is not just a dance form, it is a spiritual journey where movement, expression, and devotion come together. Before stepping onto the stage or beginning practice, dancers often invoke divine blessings through sacred slokas. These verses create a sense of focus, humility, and connection to the art.
Natya Sloka / Dhyana Sloka
" Aangikam Bhuvanam Yasya
Vachikam Sarva Vaanmayam
Ahaaryam Chandra Taaradi
Tam Numah Sattwikam Shivam "
Meaning
We bow to Lord Shiva,
Whose body is the entire universe,
Whose speech is all languages and sounds,
And whose ornaments are the moon, stars, and cosmos.
Word-by-Word Meaning
- Aangikam – Body
- Bhuvanam – Universe
- Yasya – Whose
- Vaachikam – Speech
- Sarva Vaanmayam – All languages/sounds
- Aaharyam – Ornaments
- Chandra – Moon
- Taara – Stars
- Aadi – Etc.
- Tam Numah – I bow
- Saatvikam Shivam – Pure Lord Shiva
This sloka is often recited at the beginning of a performance. It reminds the dancer that Bharatanatyam is not just physical movement, it is a divine expression where the dancer connects with the universe.
Guru Dhyanam Sloka
" Gurur Brahma Gurur Vishnu
Gurur Devo Maheshwarah
Guru Sakshat Para Brahma
Tasmai Shri Gurave Namah "
Meaning
The Guru is Brahma (the creator),
The Guru is Vishnu (the preserver),
The Guru is Maheshwara (the destroyer),
The Guru is the supreme divine.
We bow to that Guru.
The Guru holds a sacred place in a dancer’s life. This sloka expresses gratitude and respect towards the teacher who guides the student from ignorance to knowledge.
Saraswati Sloka
" Saraswati Namastubhyam
Varade Kamarupini
Vidyarambham Karishyami
Siddhir Bhavatu Me Sada "
Meaning
Salutations to Goddess Saraswati,
The giver of boons and fulfiller of wishes.
As I begin my learning,
May I always achieve success.
This sloka is recited before learning or practice. It invokes blessings for knowledge, wisdom, and success in the journey of Bharatanatyam.
Conclusion
These slokas are more than just verses, they are the spiritual foundation of Bharatanatyam. They instill discipline, devotion, and humility, transforming dance into a soulful offering.