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Vira Natyam (Heroic Dance)
Viranatyam also known as Virabhadra natyam is a community or the traditional
ceremonial dance that used to be presented in the Siva and Virabhadra
temples when Virasaivism was at its Zenith. Veerabhadra, the destroyer
of Daksha's sacrifice is said to be the originator of this dance. Holding
a sword in one hand and a shield in another hand the devotee dances and
plays steps according to the beat of Viramam. It is a big percussion instrument
which produces sharp and piercing sounds. Viramam sounds resembles the
sounds of war drums and trumpets and Viranatyam resembles Tandavanrityam
in its force and vigour. Dhole, Tashamarpa and Sonmayi are also played
during the Viranatyam. At the time of Lingodbhava on the sacred day of
Sivaratri, these artistes present Urdhava Tandavam, a special type of
dance.
Viranatyam is performed by Viramushti, Jangam, Balija
and Devanga communities of Virasaiva cult. In Telangana, Viranatyam is
presented by Viramushti and Jangam communities during the festivals in
Virabhadreswara temple at Kovari and Kottakonda while offering Virabhadra
palleram to the deity. A big plate with burning oil or camphor flames
is held in both the hands from palms up to elbows and shown before the
deity as an offering. The dancers also recite poems called Khadgalu in
praise of Virabhadra and his exploits. The artistes wield swords
while singing these panegyrics. It is a vigorous and awful dance with
long steps and upward movements of legs and hands. In devotional frenzy
and fervor, the artistes also pierce their tongues, cheeks, eyelids,
throats and lips with spears and spikes of different denominations called
Ekanarasam, Kantimarasam, Kanthanarasam and Sulanarasam. They bleed and
dance in frenzy. This ceremonial dance has now gained wide popularity
as a folk art due to the many nuances introduced in the dance styles.
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