Religious Foundations of Indian Classical Dance Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and Odissi

Abstract

Indian classical dance is deeply rooted in religious traditions, where performance is conceived as a spiritual offering and a medium of devotion. This study explores the religious foundations of Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and Odissi, three major classical dance forms that originated within temple traditions and evolved as expressions of worship. Bharatanatyam, from Tamil Nadu, is associated with Lord Shiva as Nataraja and emphasizes divine storytelling through mudras and abhinaya. Kathak, emerging in North Indian temples, began as the narrative art of kathakars who depicted episodes from the epics and Krishna Leela, reflecting the influence of the Bhakti movement. Odissi, from Odisha, is closely tied to the Jagannath temple and inspired by Jayadeva’s Gita Govinda, performed as ritual service to the deity. Despite regional variations, these forms share a sacred foundation where dance embodies devotion, mythology, and philosophy, highlighting the inseparable link between religion, art, and culture in India.