The Evolution and Contemporary Nature of Bharatanatyam in Temples – A Study

Bharatanatyam stands as one of India’s ancient classical dance traditions and has evolved as an art form deeply connected to the temples of Tamil Nadu. The art of dance played a pivotal role in conveying temple worship traditions, festivals, rituals, and religious concepts to the public. Specifically, the artistic nuances of Bharatanatyam were transmitted across generations within temples through the Devadasi tradition, music and dance artists, and the Nattuvanar lineage. Over time, as a result of social, political, and cultural changes, the dance traditions prevalent in temples underwent transformations, and Bharatanatyam acquired a new dimension as a performing art for the stage. This study examines the historical background of the origin and growth of Bharatanatyam within the temple context, as well as its artistic and religious functions. Furthermore, it analyzes the transition of Bharatanatyam from the temple environment to auditoriums, stages, educational institutions, and modern performance venues. The study also focuses on contemporary aspects such as the modes of performance in temples, the nature of the events, the selection of themes, the format of the Arangetram (debut performance), and the use of modern technology. Ultimately, the primary objective of this research is to identify the continuity, transformation, and contemporary characteristics of the temple-based Bharatanatyam tradition.