Adavus: The Occult Origins of Mohiniyattam – Part 48

Adavus form a very important element which needs to be learnt with great perfection.

In our earlier articles we have discussed various charis and hastamudras of Mohiniyattam. Now we are explaining adavus. Adavus are thebasic dance units. They are the sub-divisions of the pure dance (nritha) of Mohiniyattam which are produced by a harmonious combination of various types of gestures, body movements, mandalams, footwork and charis. When Mohiniyattam dance is taught, to ensure that the student develops graceful bodily control and a sense of rhythm, it is these dance units that are practiced. For each of these Adavu-s there are rhythmic syllables ( Vaytharis) based on their footwork. It is through these vaythari-s that the various types of adavu-s are identified. These have been subdivided into Taganam, Jaganam, Dhaganam and Sammisrarm. Notice how each division is named with the initial letter of the vaytharis used. The last division of Sammisram(meaning mixed) indicates the use of different types of syllables for the performance of some adavu-s.