The Natyashastra Mantra refers to the sacred invocations and verses found within the Natyashastra, the foundational treatise on Indian performing arts attributed to the sage Bharata Muni. This text, composed around 200 BCE to 200 CE, is considered the fifth Veda (Panchama Veda) according to tradition, as it synthesizes elements from the four Vedas—recitation from the Rigveda, song from the Samaveda, gesture from the Yajurveda, and emotion from the Atharvaveda (Natyashastra 1.9-17). The mantra is primarily associated with Bharata Muni, the legendary author, and with Nataraja, the cosmic dancer form of Shiva, who is regarded as the supreme deity of dance. The beej-akshara (seed syllable) often chanted in this context is 'Om' or 'Om Namah Shivaya', invoking the divine energy of creation and dissolution inherent in performance.
Phonetically, the mantra's syllables are designed to resonate with the chakras, aligning the performer's energy with the rhythm of the universe. The traditional purpose of chanting the Natyashastra Mantra is to seek blessings for success in dramatic arts, dance, music, and creative expression. It is believed to enhance creativity, stage presence, and the ability to convey emotions (rasa) effectively. According to the Abhinaya Darpana, a later treatise on dance, such mantras purify the mind and body, allowing the artist to become a conduit for divine storytelling.
The recommended chanting context includes before rehearsals or performances, ideally during the auspicious Brahma Muhurta (pre-dawn) or on days of dance festivals. A count of 108 repetitions is standard, often accompanied by offerings of flowers or incense to an image of Bharata Muni or Nataraja. Ritual settings may involve a clean, quiet space with a small altar. Cautions include maintaining purity of intention and avoiding distraction, as the mantra's power is believed to manifest through focused devotion.
The Natyashastra itself emphasizes that the performer must be disciplined and respectful (Natyashastra 35.1-5). This mantra is not for casual recitation but for those dedicated to the performing arts as a spiritual practice.
Salutations to Shiva, the auspicious one.