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Shiro Bheda (Head Movement) In Bharatanatyam

Shiro Bheda (Head Movement) in Bharatanatyam

Introduction of Shiro Bheda


The first important part of the human body is the head. In dance movement of the head is important for everyone. Shiro means ‘head’ and bheda means ‘movements’. Shiro bheda help us classify different movements of how we move our head. The head movement in Shiro bheda is not less than compared to Abhinaya (Bharatanatyam). Acharya Nandikeshwar has described 9 types of different Shiro bheda in Natyashastra with shlokas  such as :

 

"Samamudvahitam Adhomukhaalolitam Dhutam

Kampita Cha Pravrittamutkshiptam Parivahitam

Navadhaa Kathitam Sheersham

Natyashastravisharadaiha"

[caption id="attachment_85" align="aligncenter" width="292"]Head Movements Head Movements[/caption]

Samshir, Udahitshir, Adhomukhshir, Alolitshir, Dhrutamshir, Kampitshir, Paravritashir, Utkshiptshir & Parivahitashir.


Side Movements

Samshir shloka


Nischalam samamkhyatam yanntyatritavarjitam

  • Samshir bheda: When there is no movement of the head is called samshir bheda. In this bheda head is in still position.


 

Eg: Samshir bheda is used to express anger.

 

Udahitashir shloka


Udahitshiro jnneyamurvabhagotratannama

 

  • Udahitshir bheda: in this bheda face is raised upwards which is called udahitshir bheda.


Eg: Udahit shir is used for looking towards the sky.

 

Adhomukhamshir shloka


Adhstatramitam vaktramadhomukhamitiritam

 

  • Adhomukhshir bheda: When the face is bent downwards it is called adhomukhshir bheda.


Eg: Adhomukh shir is used for showimg sorrow.

 

Alolitatshir shloka


Maradlakarmudbhrantmalolitam  shiro bhavet

 

  • Alolitashir bheda : Movement of head in circle manner is called alolitshir bheda.


Eg: Alolita  shir is used to show uncontrollable laughter.

 

Dhutshir shloka


Vamadakshiragabhageshu chalitam tadhutam shir

 

  • Dhrutamshir bheda: When the head moves from (left to right) or (right to left) is called for dhrutamshir bheda.


Eg: Dhrutamshir is used for rejection.

 

Kampitshie shloka


Urdhadho bahaagachalitam tachira:  kampitam bhavet

 

  • Kampitshir bheda: When the head is shaken up and down manner is called kampitshir bheda.


Eg: Kampit shir is used to indicate direction.

 

Paravritashir shloka


Paranmukhikritam shrisha pravritamitiritam

 

  • Paravritashir bheda: In this bheda head is quickly turned to one side is called paravritashir bheda.


Eg: Paravrita shir is used for showing shyness.

 

Utkshiptshir shloka


Parshwodhrawabhaagachalitmutacaliam kathyate shir

 

  • Utkshiptshir bheda: In this bheda head is turned to a side and raised is called utkshiptshir beda.


Eg: Utkshipt shir is used for helping someone.

 

Parivahitashir shloka


Pasharvayoshchamarmiva tatamchet parivahitam

 

  • Parivahitashir bheda: In this bheda head moves side to side very fast is called parivahitashir bheda.


Eg: Parivahita shir is used for praising the deities.

 

These head positions are used while performing a particular ‘bhava’ to denote action.

The name ‘Bharatanatyam’ is derived from the word  "Bharata’’ and thus associated with Natyashastra.

Bharatanatyam is considered incomplete without bhedas and the expressive eye movements of the performer.

Neck and eye movements are used extensively in the dance form.
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