Perini

The Perini Tandavam is the dance of the warriors. The warriors performed this powerful dance in front of the idol of Nataraja or Lord Shiva, before they left for the battlefield. The kings of the Kakatiya dynasty in Warangal patronized this form and thus it reached its pinnacle of development during their reign. Fine sculptures of this dance form at Ramappa temple in Palampet, speaks volumes of its popularity. This dance is performed to the accompaniment of the beat of the drums. The dancers dance vigorously to the sound of laya, till they reach the state of mental aberration and feel the power of Shiva in their bodies. They invoke Shiva to dance through them. Perini dance signifies prerna or inspiration for the warriors on the eve of a war. They derive inspiration by worshipping Lord Shiva. In short, Perini Tandavam has both spiritual and artistic significance.