MOHINIYATTAM

The torchbearers of the present day form: Guru Kalamandalam Sathyabhama who was the Principal of Kerala Kalamandalam from 1957 _1993 deserves a standing ovation for her contribution towards revival and renaissance of this art form.The hair stylishly gathered on left side( as a bun) with white jasmine flowers is unique of Mohiniyattam.This style with simple white or offwhite saree with golden border and golden jewellery was accepted as the costume for this art form during the tutorship of Guru Sathyabhama. Another stalwart who is equally to be cherished as a torchbearer is none other than Guru Kalamandalam Kshemavathi who has been conferred a PADMASHRI this year.I am a proud student of her at present.Though the make up and costume is simple and realistic , there is an unusual emphasis on the eyes which are lined beautifully and made to look sensual.

MOHINIYATTAM

Dancing style :As we have already read the dancing style is unique , and enchanting. Characteristic body movements , marked by the graceful sway of the torso ..and the rise and fall of the body with emphasis on the torso...gives one the feel of the swaying coconut trees of Kerala.The glances, postures ,and gait employed are so subtle and graceful that they convey the infinite suggestiveness of radiant love.It portrays feminine love in myriad forms :carnal,devotional and maternal with accent more on lasya and bhava.

MOHINIYATTAM

The distinctive style of MOHINIYATTAM is the complete absence of heavy stamping and rhythmical tension . The stamping of the feet is a very substantial element in most of the other dance forms except MANIPURI.In Mohiniyattam the footwork is gentle , soft and sliding. The movements are never abrupt , they are dignified easy and natural , but the vertical line of the body is never disrupted.Graceful gentle bobbing movements are very special of MOHINIYATTAM. We can say that this dance form has some resemblence to Bharatanatyam , but it is quite distinct in its execution of movements , usage of hand gestures and its stark simple costume.

MOHINIYATTAM

Mohiniyattam known as the dance of the celestial female , since it has an extremely slow seductive quality. It is essentially a solo dance performed by women ,and now-a-days it is also performed in groups. The basis of this dance is not seductiion alone , it also signifies the transformation of Lord Vishnu into a female form and also the concept of ARDHANAREESHWARA ie. male and female as one.Mohiniyattam signifies the dance of the enchantress that causes destruction of the wicked and brings delight and pleasure to the good.This dance form draws upon secular and social themes rather than religious themes.Most of the themes of Mohiniyattam are dealt with love , union and failure , of men and women.

MOHINIYATTAM

Once again delving into the historical background of Mohiniyattam , the first reference of MOHINIYATTAM is found in VYAVAHARAMALA composed by Mazhamangalam Narayana Namboodiri , who lived in the 16th century.This artform is considered to be older than KATHAKALI the much acclaimed dance drama of Kerala.Another reference on MOHINIYATTAM can be found in the Ottanthullal {a semi-classical semi-folk dramatic artform ok Kerala} script Ghoshayatra authored by Kunjan Nambiar , during the second half of 18th century.Though Maharaja Swati Thirunnal was the torch bearer of this dance form , there was a sudden decline in the propagation of this after his period due to the feudalism prevalent in Kerala during the onset of British raaj.It was during the 1930 's when Kerala Kalamamdalam was instituted by the great poet Vallathol Narayana Menon that the art form gained some facelift under his patronage.

MOHINIYATTAM

Mohiniyattam achieved the present identity and a strong stand among the other classical dance forms due to the relentless effort of great artists like Kalyani kutty Amma ,Kalpurattee Kunjukutty Amma and Thottacheri Chinnau Amma. The great poet of Kerala Sri.Vallathol ,in the 20th century established the Kerala Kalamamdalam to promote the arts of Mohiniyattam and Kathakali. The above mentioned three artists were invited by the poet to teach MOhiniyattam at the institution.The song of MOhiniyattam is based on Carnatic music and the language used is Manipravalam {a mix of Malayalam and Sanskrit}.

MOHINIYATTAM

Maharaja Swathithirunal of the kingdom of Travancore {Trivandrum},who was a great patron of arts , heard of Sri Vadivelu's experiment with western violin , and a new instrument was added to the realm of carnatic music.The king encouraged the brothers to extend their art. At this juncture on the request of the King Sri Vadivelu formulated the new artform Mohiniyattam.The song of Mohiniyattam is based on carnatic music and the language used is Manipravalam {a mix of Malayalam and Sanskrit }.Instruments used are veena ,maddalam ,flute ,edakka etc.The costume includes white or off white sari with broad golden zari typical of Kerala.The attire is tailored with broad zari done in a pleated style.The hairdo is also a traditional one with white flowers.

MOHINIYATTAM

As we look back to the origin of MOHINIYATTAM , it can also be adjudged as a temple dance performed by the devadasies.I t also has elements of Koothu and Kootiyattam in it.Mohiniyattam is a drama in dance and verse.It also has influence of Bharatanatyam and Kathakali in it.This artform was formulated in the court of Swathithirunal by Vadivelu ,one of the Tanjavur quartet.

MOHINIYATTAM

In the second story the Lord appears as Mohini to save Lord Shivafrom the demon Bhasmasura.Hence we understand that the name Mohini may have been coined after Lord Vishnu . and the main themes of the dance is love{sringara} and devotion{bhakti} to god.The striking feature of this dance form is the much stylish and arresting hairdo along with the white kasavu bordered attire , which elivates the dance to a totally different level.

MOHINIYATTAM

The term literally means the " The dance of the enchantress". Mohini is the enchantress.There are two stories in our mythology which throw some light to the naming of this artform.In both Lord Vishnu is disguised as Mohini.In one Lord appears as Mohini to lure the asuras{Demons}away from the amrita{nectar of immortality} obtained during the churning of palazhi{Ocean of milk}.

MOHINIYATTAM

This art form also has its origin in kerala..the land of Kera's..ie coconut trees. The serenity of this dance form is well depicted

in the costume. The enchanting sway of "Mohini" is a soothing balm to the eyes and mind. Sringara and Bhakti are the main emotions of this dance form.