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Natya Shasatra _Slokas

Artist : Shilpi Nandi

  "The joy of dance can not be explained or taught. It has to be experienced." 

 Following are the first few slokas of Natya Shastra.

Pranamya Shirasa Devou Pithamaha Maheswarou Natyashastram Pravaksyami  Brahamanaya Duthahrutham
    I bow my head to Pitamaha (Brahma – the creator) and Maheswara(Lord Siva – the creator of dance) and reveal the science of dance, drama and music (Natyasastra) as it was taught to me  by Lord Brahma. (Bharata Muni states)
Devadanaam Shirasthasthu Gurunamasya samsthithaha Vakshasthaschaiva vipranaam  Sheshethwa niyamo bhaved
    I seek blesssings and offer prayers( with Anjali hasta ) hands placed above the head for the Gods, at the forehead for the Guru’s, in front of the chest for all the elders and for all others there is no special rules. This is the basic rule for all the Indian classical dance forms of India and is commonly followed in the entire south east Asia.
Vishnu shakthi samuthpannae Chithravarnae maheethalai  Anaeka ratna sampannae  Bhoomi devi namosthuthae
    I pay my respect to the mother earth who is conceived from the power and strength of Lord Vishnu, and who is endowed with a magnificent horizon of picture perfect colors and many precious stones. 
Samudravasanae devii Parvathasthana mandalaeNatyam Karishyae Bhoodevii Padaakhatham Shamaswamae
    The Goddess who wears the sea as her costume, having mountains as the breast we ask your forgiveness for stamping on you while we start with the dancing.
Kati Karna samaayathra Koorparaamsha shirasthatha Samunnatham uraschaiva Saoushtavam nama Thath Bhaved
   When you align your ears with the waist, head raised with chin slightly up and the chest raised slightly, this posture is called the Saushtavam.
Prayena Karanae Karyoo Vamovakshasthitha karaha Charanasyaanu gaschaapi Dakshinasthu Bhaved Karaha
Meaning : While doing a “Karana” place your left hand in front of the chest, the feet turned to the sides and start with the right hand.
Sarva Shaasthra Sampannam Sarva Shilpa Pravarthakam Natyaakyam Panchamam Vedam Sethihaasam Karomyaham
        Lord Brahma said : ” I hereby describe Natya which is enriched by all sciences and sculptures which can be considered as the panchama veda.

Note : It is adiceable that the Gurus teach the above Slokas to the students at an early stage so that it becomes easier for the students to understand the depth of Natya Shastra.

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