Gestures in Bharatnatyam

Bharatnatyam has certain rules laid down in a book called Natya Shastra which was written by Bharata Muni. This book tells us how to use our hands,legs, neck, head and eyes in a dance.

We have ASAMYUTA HASTAS(Two hand gestures) that are 28 in number and SAMYUTHA HASTAS(One hand gestures) that are 24 in number.

Each of the hastas/Mudras are used to denote different ideas, thoughts and objects. 

 There are different gestures practiced. That is:

DRISHTI BHEDA 

SHIRO BHEDA 

GREEVA BHEDA 

 

 


Drishti means eyes. So Drishti Beda refers to movements of eye balls. We use these movements in daily life but they also have their own identification. There are a total of Nine movements of eyes in Drishti Bheda.They are used when we express a particular bhava.

Shiro means head. So Shiro Bheda refers to head movements. We use some of these movements in everyday life. Shiro Bheda also includes bhava while doing it. There are a total of nine movements in  Shiro Bheda

Greeva in Sanskrit means neck. Greeva Bheda refers to neck movements. These Bhedas increase the quality and enhances Abhinaya. This is essential for grace. There are four types of Greeva Bedha or Neck movements.

BENEFITS 

1. Mudras improves our concentration power. They provide mental peace. Every mudras provides different benifits to our body parts.

2. Drishti Bheda/ Eye movements helps us to improve blood circulation in our eyes. It helps us in strengthening eye muscles.

3. Shiro Bheda/ Head movements helps us to denote the things at the top and bottom and also to specify the direction. It helps us to answer the questions like yes or no. These movements activates our neuro system.

4. Greeva Bheda/ Neck movements helps to activate the Cervival points in our body and also strengthen them.

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