importance of each piece of jewellery worn by dancer

Classical Dance forms & related music
Post Reply
natyasri123
Posts: 60
Joined: 18 Jan 2009, 21:13

Post by natyasri123 »

can any one enlighten me on the importance of each piece of jewellery worn by a dancer in context to aharya abhinaya.

KSDD
Posts: 35
Joined: 24 Dec 2008, 18:15

Post by KSDD »

Srimati Sudharani Raghupati has written :

"The costume, jewellery, make-up and stage decoration are aimed at enhancing the beauty, charm and the aesthetic value of the dance performance. Yes, the jewellery worn by a dancer have a special significance: The 'chandran' and 'sooryan' (moon and sun) worn on the top of the head signify that their beauty and grace have descended upon the dancer. The 'thalai saaman' (chutti) emphasises the line of the forehead. The nose ring is said to preserve chastity. The 'maatal' (worn covering the ear) is to protect the eardrums. The 'Maanga malai' worn on the chest above the navel prevents pulmonary disorders. The oddiyanam (belt worn around the waist) keeps the spinal chord straight. Bangles protect the wrists, rings encourage philanthropy and anklets give strength to the ankles of the dancer."

KSDD
Posts: 35
Joined: 24 Dec 2008, 18:15

Post by KSDD »

Correction: Smt. Sudharani Raghupati WROTE
English not my mother tongue...

um
Posts: 3
Joined: 30 Jan 2009, 16:51

Post by um »

KSDD wrote:"The costume, jewellery, make-up and stage decoration are aimed at enhancing the beauty, charm and the aesthetic value of the dance performance. Yes, the jewellery worn by a dancer have a special significance
I think you are talking about the original temple jewellery - for a special significance. It may produce tangible magic effect if it is selected for you by a competent astrologist and preferably made to order. Otherwise there may be only ornamental effect.
In olden times, jewellery was not worn for purely aesthetic purposes.

rshankar
Posts: 13754
Joined: 02 Feb 2010, 22:26

Post by rshankar »

We discussed this many moons ago: http://rasikas.org/forums/viewtopic.php? ... er-p2.html

Most of the jewelry worn is the same as bridal jewelry of yore, as the dAsIs were brides of God.

Post Reply