Perini Tandavam is
the dace of the warriors. The dance derives its name from "prerana",
which means inspiration. The warriors performed this dance before the idol of Lord
Nataraja, as a mode of worship, before leaving for the battlefield with the motto of
invoking Shiva to dance through them. The dance begins with gargara and concludes
with a Shiva Panchamukha Shabda Nartanam in praise of Lord Shiva.
The performers dance vigorously to the sound of laya from the beat of the
drums. This continues till they feel the power of Shiva in their bodies and thus derive
the inspiration. The dance thus can be said to be of both a spiritual and an artistic
significance.
The dance was in vogue and was patronised in the reign of the kings of Kakatiya
Dynasty in Warangal. This is well evident from the
fine sculptures of this dance at the Ramappa temple in Palempet. Perini dance was extinct,
but its renaissance was brought about by Dr Nataraja Ramakrishna.
Perini Tandavam is
the dace of the warriors. The dance derives its name from "prerana",
which means inspiration. The warriors performed this dance before the idol of Lord
Nataraja, as a mode of worship, before leaving for the battlefield with the motto of
invoking Shiva to dance through them. The dance begins with gargara and concludes
with a Shiva Panchamukha Shabda Nartanam in praise of Lord Shiva. 