Bharatha Natyam and Yoga are the two divine art forms originated in Indian soil. Both these art forms are deeply enrooted in Santayana Dharma which was often referred to in Hinduism in the olden days. Bharatha Natyam derives its theoretical foundation from Natya Sastra which is considered as the fifth Veda of Hinduism. Natya Sastra consisted of 36 chapters and contains 6,000 verses.
Sage Bharata Muni enacted the theoretical concept and framework for the benefit and well-being of numerous performing art forms. It is stated that Natya was enacted by a mystic figure Bharata Muni. Each and every nuance of Bharatha Natyam is well defined in the theoretical foundation of Natya Sastra which gives scientific guidelines to choreographers and performers. It includes numerous aspects such as cultural projection, linguistic, literary, arts, crafts, costumes and ornaments. The dance and drama based principles, as well as the practical application of the art, is elaborately discussed in the Natya Sastra. It embodies principles set out in a very concrete and concise format.
Bharatha Natyam and Yoga help individuals for spiritual uplift and salvation. Research has been done to identify the union between these two ancient art forms.
Bharatha Natyam is often referred to as artistic Yoga. Yoga generally means the union of the soul with Almighty. Bharatha Natyam is a divine fine art that coordinates the human body, mind and emotions together. Bharatha Natyam is generally divided into two main aspects. One is Thandava and the other is Lassiya. Thandava section is often referred to as Thandava Lakshana.
Tandava Lakshana in Natya Sastra, describes Karana as the basic and essential unit of dance which coordinates with different movements of the hands, feet, Isthana (body position) and Charis. Nritta hastas (pure dance hand gestures) are elaborately discussed and described in the Natya Sastra. All these are used in the dance under the topic of Karanas. Altogether six kinds of Isthana, 32 Charis and 27 Nritta hastas are used in the Karanas. According to Sage Bharata Muni, the total number of Karanas is 108.
Most of the Karana poses of Lord Siva do not reveal any specific meaning. Karanas are unique aspects or the units of dance. While performing a Karana, the movements of the hands and the feet, on the whole, are adjusting in relation to those of the chest, sides, waist, back and belly.
Another aspect of Bharatha Natyam is Lassya. It includes Abhinaya hand gestures, foot positions, body positions (Isthana) and facial expressions. In Lassiya Bhavas play a vital role. It is displayed through Anga Abhinayas and facial expressions. The hand gestures used in Abhinaya are called Nirtya hands or working hands. These hand gestures are very important to explain and expound the meaning of the song.
Hand gestures are equally important for Abhinaya and Adavus. Adavus means basic steps in the dance. The hand gestures used for Adavus (steps) are called grace hands. Very limited hand gestures are used in Adavus. The hand gestures, used in Adavus are called Nirtta hastas or grace hands.
Further, these hand gestures are further divided into two main divisions.
One is single hand gestures and the other is double hand gestures. Single hand gestures are generally called Aasamutha hasthas and the double hand gestures are called Samutha hasthas. The maximum number of single hand gestures is 30 to 32. Double hand gestures are nearly about 23 are in use.
Yoga is another Hindu spiritual art form. It promotes the ascetic discipline through this art form. This art imparts ascetic discipline to humanity, including breath control, mind control, meditation, with well-defined body postures. Different body postures are called Asanas. Like Bharatha Natya, certain hand gestures are also used in Yoga.
Each Asana has a specific posture and it benefits certain medical purposes. Yoga and Bharatha Natyam develop mental stability, relief from mental stress, nervous disorder, and build physical strength and develop flexibility in the body.
Using gestures are quite common in certain religions. In certain religions, during the ritual performances, certain specific hand gestures are used.
Yoga poses and Bharatha Natya Karana poses have numerous similarities. But Bharatha Natyam is a performing fine art. It is performed with specific well-defined music with certain well-defined rhythmic tempos.
It is categorized into numerous varieties of items. The modern choreographers choreograph certain items with their own ability, approach, experience, involvement and their depth in the art form.
The Bharatha Natya performers interwove numerous Karan poses into creativity according to their need and necessity. In Yoga, some of the Asanas are associated with specific body postures with hand gestures.
All these serve certain health purposes.
Many of the Yoga postures resemble typical geometrical body positions. But the Bharatha Natya postures have much more poise and are attractive.
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