Veeragase

Veeragase is a dance folk form prevalent in the state of Karnataka, India. It is a vigorous dance based on Hindu mythology and involves very intense energy-sapping dance movements. Veeragase is one of the dances demonstrated in the Dasara procession held in Mysore. This dance is performed during festivals and mainly in the Hindu months of Shravana and Karthika.

Mythology

"Veeragase" gets its name from the Hindu legendary warrior, "Veerabhadra". According to a legend, the Hindu God Shiva was married to "Dakshayini", whose father "Daksha" was against this marriage and hence bore enmity with Shiva. The mythology related to "Veeragase" is explained by cite web|url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/2001/10/22/stories/09220331.htm|title=Myth Retold|author=V. R. Devika|work=Online edition of the Hindu, dated 2001-10-22|publisher=2001, The Hindu|accessdate=2007-04-29] When he performed a yagna, he invited all the Gods except Shiva. Much against Shiva's wishes, "Dakshayini" went to the yagna uninvited and was insulted by "Daksha". Unable to bear the insults, "Dakshayini" jumped into the sacrificial fire. Hearing this news, Shiva got very angry and started to perform the Tandava dance which created turmoil in the world. When one of the sweat drops from Shiva fell on to the earth, it gave rise to the warrior, "Veerabhadra" who went to Daksha's yagna, disrupted it and killed "Daksha". When "Daksha"'s wife pleaded mercy, he regained his life. This story is narrated by the dancers performing Veeragase. ]

Performers

The performers of "Veeragase" are called "Lingadevaru" and are devotees of Shiva. A dscription of the "Veeragase" dance form is provided by cite web|url=http://www.szcc.tn.nic.in/05_folk/karnataka/Veeragase/veeragase.html|title=Veeragase|work=Online Webpage of South Zone Cultural Centre|publisher=South Zone Cultural Centre, Thanjavur, India|accessdate=2007-04-29] The dancers put on a white traditional head gear and a bright red coloured dress. They also adorn themselves with a necklace made of Rudraksha beads, a hip-belt called "rudra muke", an ornament resembling a snake and worn around the neck called "Nagabharana" and anklets. A description of the dress worn by "Veeragase" dancers is provided by cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/mp/2004/01/05/stories/2004010500060300.htm|author=A. Chithraa Deepa|title=Folk and fun|work=Online Edition of The Hindu, dated 2004-01-05|publisher=2004, The Hindu|accessdate=2007-04-29] The dancers smear "vibhooti" on their foreheads, ears and eyebrows. They carry a wooden plaque of Lord Veerabhadra in their left hand and a sword in their right hand.

Performance

The dance trope usually consists of two, four or six members. A lead singer in the troupe narrates the story of "Daksha" "yajna" as the dance is being performed. ] A huge decorative pole called "Nandikolu" which has an orange flag at the top is held by one of the dancers. Traditional percussion instruments called "sambal" and "dimmu" lend music to the dance. Cymbals and shehnai and other instruments like "karadi" and "chamala" are also used. The dance also involves a ritualistic piercing of a needle across the mouth A brief description of Veeragaase is provided by cite web|url=http://www.udupipages.com/home/culture/folk1b.html|author=S.A.Krishnaiah, Chief Co-ordinator (Research Wing), Regional Resources Centre for Folk Performing Arts, Udupi|title=Folk Arts - Music and Dance|work=Online webpage of Udupipages.com|publisher=2001, Shathabdi Graphics Pvt. Ltd., Udupi|accessdate=2007-04-29]

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