Temple dance

Summary

Temple dance denotes a religious performance held in the temples, such as sadir, prescribed by Agamas (scriptures that codified temple rituals, etc.).[1][2] Traces of these ancient temple dances of India are seen in Bharatanatyam and Odissi.[3]

A bas relief at the 12th-century temple of Angkor Wat in Cambodia showing apsara temple dancers.

The sacred Hindu temple dance used to be performed by devadasis and Mahari Dance, who were supposed to manifest in the material body the heavenly dance of apsaras.[1]

References edit

  1. ^ a b Younger, Paul; Younger, Professor of Religious Studies Paul (1995). The Home of Dancing Śivan̲: The Traditions of the Hindu Temple in Citamparam. Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-509532-6.
  2. ^ Subramuniyaswami, Satguru Sivaya (2003). Dancing with Siva: Hinduism's Contemporary Catechism. Himalayan Academy Publications. ISBN 978-0-945497-89-9.
  3. ^ Narayan, Shovana (30 December 2011). The Sterling Book of INDIAN CLASSICAL DANCE. Sterling Publishers Pvt. Ltd. ISBN 978-81-207-9078-0.

External links edit

  •   Media related to Hindu temple dance at Wikimedia Commons