Dancing in the Vaiṣṇava Bhakti Tradition

Abstract

The article "Dancing in the Vaishnava Bhakti Tradition" by Yamuna (Campakalata) Fiorentino explores Bharatanatyam as a sacred dance form deeply rooted in Vaishnava bhakti, or devotional love. The article traces the origin of Bharatanatyam to the sage Bharata and the Natya Shastra, explaining how the term "Bharatanatyam" itself encapsulates "Bhava" (emotion), "Raga" (melody), and "Tala" (rhythm). Fiorentino highlights the dance's original purpose as a form of worship performed by Devadasis in temples, depicting the pastimes of Krishna for the pleasure of the deities. While acknowledging modern adaptations, the author emphasizes the importance of preserving its sanctity as a means to awaken prema (pure transcendent love for the Divine). The article details the practice and performance aspects, including the opening namaskara and the journey of a "margam" through items like Varnam, which conveys intense feelings of viraha (love in separation). Fiorentino also discusses how Bharatanatyam's "bhakti language" is expressed through the nine bhavas (emotions) like sringara (love), hasya (laughter), and karunyam (compassion), exemplified through Krishna's pastimes. The author shares her personal journey and her teacher's emphasis on Bharatanatyam as a bhakti sadhana (devotional practice, mood, and lifestyle), concluding that the dance serves as a powerful conduit for experiencing divine love and transcendence.