Incredible South India
- Kerala Travel Guide
Mohiniyattom
The sinuous dance of the enchantress, this is a distinctive classical dance
form of Kerala. Slow, graceful, swaying movements of the body and limbs
and highly emotive eye and hand gestures are unique to this dance form.
The simple, elegant gold-filigreed dress, in pure white or ivory, is
akin to the traditional attire of the women of Kerala. The origin of Mohiniyattom
is rooted in Hindu mythology.
Once the ocean of milk was churned by the gods and demons to extract
the elixir of life and immortality. The demons made away with this divine
brew.
Lord Vishnu came to the rescue of the panicky gods and assumed the female
form of an amorous celestial dame Mohini. Captivating the demons with
her charms, Mohini stole the elixir from them and restored it to the gods.
This dance was adopted by the Devadasi or temple dancers, hence also
the name 'Dasiattam' which was very popular during the Chera reign from
9th to 12th century.
Mohiniyattom, Kerala Travel Guide - Reservation Form