Keerthanam

कीर्तनम्

Sanskritkeer · ta · nam

aa ee oo ē ō — long vowels: hold them twice as long

A devotional song interpreted in dance

RepertoireBharatanatyam

Meaning

A keerthanam is a devotional composition sung in praise of a deity, and dancers interpret it through abhinaya after the varnam. Songs by Thyagaraja, Syama Sastri and Gopalakrishna Bharati are often chosen.

Also written: keertanam, kirtanam, keerthanai, kirtana, keertana

Sources

Related words

Varnamवर्णम्The centrepiece — the longest and most demanding item.Margamमार्गम्The traditional order of a Bharatanatyam recital.AbhinayaअभिनयThe art of expression — making meaning visible.KritiकृतिThe main song form of Carnatic music, often danced Alarippuஅலாரிப்புThe opening item — the body unfolding, like a flower.PadamపదంA slow expressional piece, usually of love or devotion.

Know this differently, or know it better? Traditions vary and we would rather be corrected — tell us.

Connect. Learn. Celebrate.