Adavus are basic steps in Bharatanatyam.

They are the basic units of dance.

Many Adavus are combined to form a dance sequence.

Adavu is a Tamil term.

It literally means - the beat.

Adavus are rhythmical motions of the hands, legs, neck, and hip conforming to a specific set of syllables.

A beginner in dancing practices and perfects these Adavus.

Origin of Adavus

Adavus have evolved out of the ancient unit of dance called Karanas.

The first mention of Adavus can be found in Mahabharata Chudamani and Tulaja's Sangeetha Saramritha.

In Sangeetha Saramritha, they are included in the section called Sarma Vidhi.

Aspects of Adavus

• Sthanaka - Positions of legs
• Mandala -  Posture
• Chari - movements
• Nritta kshetra - hand gestures

Important Adavus

Tatta Adavu

Natta Adavu

Visharu Adavu

Tattimitti Adavu

Tirumanam Adavu

Murka Adavu

Jati Adavu

Kuditamitta Adavu

Mandi Adavu

Sarikal Adavu

Knowledge Bank

Respect all religions but follow only yours

Respect all religions and acknowledge their value, but stay committed to your own path, staying true to your beliefs and practices.

Why is clay idol used in Vinayak Chaturthi Puja?

Ganesha Purana prescribes the use of only clay idols in Vinayaka Chaturthi Puja. Sanatana Dharma is very sensitive about nature and the ecosystem. Vinayaka Chaturthi idols are to be immersed after the Puja. So ideally it has to be a material soluble in water. You can imagine the situation if thousands of wooden or metal idols are immersed in water every year. Moreover, Veda says that the earth was originally made up of clay. Clay was the prime material at the time of creation. That is yet another reason for prescribing clay.