Veeranatyam

Veeranatyam is a popular dance form of the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It is mostly prevalent in East & West Godavari, Kurnool, Ananthapur, Warangal and Khammam districts. Veeranatyam, meaning the ‘Dance of the Brave’, has traditional moorings and holds a lot of religious significance.

The dance, which is performed with a lot of vigour, is in the form of a tribute to Lord Shiva, who is believed to be the oldest Vedic God. Goddess Veerabhadra is also worshipped during the rendition of this dance. Veeranatyam, which involves skillful techniques and dexterous hand movements, is performed in every Shiva temple in Andhra Pradesh. As of now it is also staged at various marriage functions and vow fulfillment ceremonies.

The dance is staged with burning flames lit to the tridents and spears. The former are then pierced into the bodies of the dancers and the performance ends with a 'Mangala Harati' in the name of Lord Shiva by the flaming tridents. The themes are based around Dakshayagna, during which a flame is lit and the bodies of the dancers are pierced with trident as well as spears. Since the art is tough, it needs practice throughout the year.

Origin of Veera Natyam

This folk dance form traces its origin to times of yore and has great spiritual significance. The dance form is also well-known by the name of Veerabhadra Nrityam. It also finds mention in mythology of the Hindus and according to the legend, during the period of Lord Shiva, his wife Devi Sati was embarrassed in one functions and because of this incident, Lord Shiva, who is known for his fiery temperament became angry. At that time, to reveal his anger Lord Shiva started dancing with vigour out of which were born the famous steps of this unique dance form. This dance was ‘destroying’ because outraged at the humiliation of his wife, Lord Shiva took out his hair strand called ‘Jatajuta’ and created Veerabhadra. His anger was revealed through the energetic dance called Veera Natyam, which annihilated Dakshayagna Vatika where his wife was outraged. It is also the dance of destruction or titled at the Pralayam.

The performance of Veeranatyam starts with this ritual activity, which is practiced within all the shrines of the Lord Shiva. Now, the avid artists of the Veerabhdra dancer's community, also known as called as Veeramusti community, reside within Andhra Pradesh, which includes Drakshrama district. This historical and spiritual dance form offers a unique visual treat which not only entertains but also amazes at the same time. It showcases an ancient story that has withstood the test of time.

Veerabhadra's followers perform Veeranatyam with full vigour till date. They claim themselves to be the descendants of Veerabhadra

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Style of the Dance

Veeranatyam involves celebrations like Virabhadra Pallem in which the dancers use a big plate made of palm and the dance continues till the flame is extinguished. Throughout the dance performance, ritual chants by the priest continue in the backdrop, which provides more vigour to the proceedings. Another form of Veeranatyam involves dancing with a large bamboo pole, which is smeared with vibhuti, the holy ash. All the dancers of the Veeramusti community, who claim to be direct descendants of Lord Shiva, are highly devoted and committed to the ritual practices.

This dance by males is held in three phases. It starts with holding a plate (Veerabhadra Pallem), which has fire lit with camphor and till it is burnt out the dance is executed vigorously to the beat of percussion instruments. It is accompanied by Khadgalu, a recital where a priest dances with a sword; it represents Veerabhadra. In the second stage, dancers hold a pole that has holy ash or vibhuti smeared on it. It stands for Dhwaja Sthamba. The top part of the pole has bells attached to it.

In the last stage, dancers with tridents stuck into their tongue, hands and ankles, roll in full fervour. This is known as 'Narasam'. They are dressed in colorful dhotis with ashes. It has sacred ash all over; thus adds the delightful dance known as Veeranatyam.

Music in Veeranatyam

Like in any other dance form, Veeranatyam includes a variety of colourful costumes as well as different kinds of musical instruments, which add to the overall traditional fervor and gaiety. The characteristic features of this dance pattern are the wonderfully practiced hand movements and delightful steps that have been diligently followed through the ages and mastered through ardent devotion of Lord Shiva.

This dance is performed to the beat of various instruments such as the 'Thambura', 'Soolam', 'Dolu', 'Thasha' and 'Veeranam'. Now the ritual has transformed into an art form and is widely performed in processions throught Andhra Pradesh. However, the main instrument used during the rendition of the dance form is the war drum or "Veeranam"

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Costumes and Jewellery of Veeranatyam Dancers

The Veeranatyam dancers are well-known for their colourful dresses and cheerful cries, which light up the entire atmosphere and fill it with utmost devotion to Lord Shiva. Their worship becomes all the more ardent with the nimble steps and the vibrant attires, which are carefully chosen for the occasion. For the dance, the performers wear the Dattis and Dhotis, which are in various hues and extremely colourful. The dresses are totally in sync with the overall atmosphere of devotion, dedication, oneness and reverence of Lord Shiva. The jewellery worn on the occasion is exquisite, traditional as well as enchanting. Veeranatyam includes clumsy movements of the hand and very long steps, which are mandatory.