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The Perini Thandavam is a dance form usually
performed by males. It is called 'Dance of Warriors'. Warriors before
leaving to the battlefield enact this dance before the idol of Lord Shiva.
The dance form, Perini, reached its pinnacle during the rule of the
'Kakatiyas' who established their dynasty at
Warangal and
ruled for almost two centuries.
It
is believed that this dance form invokes 'Prerana' (inspiration) and is
dedicated to supreme dancer, Lord Shiva. One can find evidence of this
dance in the sculptures of the Ramappa Temple at Warangal.
Perini is a vigorous dance done to the resounding beats of drums. Dancers
drive themselves to a state of mental abstraction where they feel the
power of Shiva in their body. While dancing they invoke Shiva to come into
him and dance through him. The Perini Thandavam is indeed believed to be
the most invigorating and intoxicating male dance form.
Perini dance form almost disappeared after the decline of the Kakatiya
dynasty but Dr. Nataraja Ramakrishna father of Andhra Natyam brought
renaissance in Perini dance, which was on verge of extinction.