Mohiniyattam
Mohiniyattam, originated from the Devadasi dance heritage, once prevalent in the temples of Kerala. The 'Mohini', a maiden who exerts desire or steals the heart of an onlooker.
The legend is that, Lord Vishnu taking on the guise of a Mohini to enthrall people, both in the churning of the Milk-ocean (Palazhi) and the slaying of Bhasmasura. Vaishnava devotees gave it the name 'Mohiniyattam', a solo dance form, graceful like Odisi, with costumes sober and attractive.
Swathithirunal, the king of erstwhile Travancore helped a lot to encourage and stabilize this art form. It was Vallathol, who revived it and gave it a status in modern times, through Kerala Kalamandalam. Kalamandalam Kalyaniyamma was instrumental in resuscitating this ancient artform, which is trying to acquire an identity and classical status of its own.
Aswathi-doughter of M.T Vasudevan Nair
Kathakali
