MOHINIYATTAM DANCE
Mohiniyattam
is one of the classical dance forms of Kerala. It was mainly performed in the
Temples of Kerala. It is also the heir to devadasi dance heritage like
Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi and
Odissi. There is a story of Lord Vishnu taking on the guise of a mohini
to enthrall people, both in connection with the churning of the milk ocean and
with the episode of killing Bhasmasura
Mohiniattam
is based on the themes of love and devotion and more often the hero is Vishnu
or Krishna. The audience can feel His invisible presence when the
heroine or her maid details dreams and ambitions through the circular
movements, delicate footsteps and subtle expressions. The movements are
graceful like Odissi and the costumes sober and attractive.
The
repertoire of Mohiniattam follows closely that of Bharatanatyam. Beginning with
Chollukettu, the dancer performs Jathiswaram, Varnam, Padam and Thillana in a
concert. Mohiniyattam like many other forms follows the Hasthalakshana
Deepika as a text book of hand gestures. The style of vocal music for
Mohiniattam is classical Karnatic.
MUSIC FOR MOHINIYATTAM
The vocal music of Mohiniyattam involves variations in rhythmic structure
known as chollu. The lyrics are
in Manipravalam, a mixture of Sanskrit and Malayalam. The Mohiniyattam dance is
performed to this accompaniment by the subtle gestures and footwork of the
danseuse. The performer uses the eyes in a very coy yet sensual manner, the
purpose being to enchant the mind without enticing the senses.
THE MOHINIYATTAM
JEWELRY AND COSTUME
The
costume in Mohiniyattam dance comprises of a white ‘kasavu’ saree, a decorated
blouse and a waist garment. The edges are embellished with golden fabric know
as kasavu kara. The makeup is simple. The face is
treated with yellow and pink colored paste. The eyes are given a lining of
black color. The lips are reddened. The hair is tied up and adorned with jasmine
flowers.
Mohiniattam jewellery is marked by its use of gold or gold plated jewelry. Usually Mohiniyattam jewellery set consists of necklaces, ‘vanki’ (armband), ‘oddiyanam’ (waistband), nose stud (Nath Bullaku) and ‘jimikki’ (swinging ear ornaments). Necklaces are basically of two types: ‘maangamala
’ and ‘Kaasumala’. The ‘mangamala’ is made by linking together gem studded mango shaped pieces. The ‘kasumala’ is made by attaching gold coins together.