Mohiniyattam

Initial references to Mohiniattam are found in texts composed by Mazhamangalam Narayanan Namboodiri, of 16th century AD. It bears close resemblance to Bharathanatyam of Tamil Nadu. The main items are main items Cholkettu, Padavarnam and Padam. In Cholkettu, the Puranic story of Vishnu's incarnation as the temptress, Mohini is depicted. Mohini avataram was taken by the lord to enchant the demons to part with the nectar of immortality and again to persuade the Asura Bhasmasura to dance with her eventually leading to his destruction. Towards the end of this item there is a text dedicated to the praise of Lord Shiva as well.

"Mohiniyattam" literally means "dance of the enchantress". It is one of the well known dance of Kerala. It is a celebration of womanhood and the grace and elegance of femininity. The expression of emotions in a pleasing yet commonly understandable manner is the highlight of this exquisite dance form. Soft fluid movements, expressive gestures and emotion exuded from subtle face and eye movements are the hallmark of this dance. The lasya expression of dance encompassing love, beauty and grace is the tradition followed by Mohiniyattam. The dancers move sensuously and with extreme aesthetic gratification. Traditionally Mohiniyattam was confined to the temple courtyards and royal chambers where it was performed on festival days and other occasions, to please the gods.Mohiniyattam is said to have originated in Kerala as a dance form developed by the Devadasis. However its essence endeared it to the world and as it developed classical status, Kerala grew famous globally as the home of Mohiniattam.

Sringara (love) is the rasa played up and so the multifaceted aspects of feminine love viz. carnal, devotional and maternal are shown in this dance form .The traditional dance attire is an off-white gold bordered Kasavu saree. The dancer with her hair coifed high on he left side with a string of jasmine blossoms adorns herself with sleek gold jewellery.

The make up is simple and realistic. Nothing garish or loud is worn; the entire ambiance is one of tenderness and refinement. The mudras or hand gestures followed are from the Hastalakshanadeepika. The movements are languid and swaying suggestive of the rise and fall of ocean waves from which Mohini was incarnated. The accompanying music is Carnatic essentially. On a regional basis however the Soopana form of music is followed. Traditionally percussion used to be provided by Thoppi Maddalam however it is being replaced by the more prolific Mridangam. The string instrument providing accompaniment may be veena or violin. Songs composed by Maharaja Swati Tirunal and Irayimman Thampi are favorites among both performers and audience. The basic movements or "atavukal" in Mohiniyattam number about 40. Mohiniyattam is the pride of Kerala. A versatile dance form it is reminds one of the ancient temple courtyards where the graceful Devadasis used to sing and dance to entice their beloved, The Lord.