Liesbeth Pankaja

🪔 About

Liesbeth Pankaja Bennink (1955-2021) was a dedicated Bharatanatyam dancer and a distinguished historian, known for her profound research into the history, theology, and art of the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple. Born in 1955, she initially trained in ballet in the Netherlands for many years before discovering her profound passion for Indian classical dance. Her Bharatanatyam journey began under the tutelage of Guru Rajamani, who was a prime disciple of the esteemed Tanjavur K.P. Kittappa Pillai. This foundational training led her to Chidambaram, India, where she immersed herself in the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of the region, living there for many years. In Chidambaram, Liesbeth Pankaja was guided by the late Raja Deekshithar, a significant figure in the temple's traditions. She assisted him for many years with his research and teaching, deepening her understanding of the temple's intricate history and its connection to dance. Her life's work was devoted to revealing, researching, and teaching India's amazing heritage, particularly focusing on the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple. She was a much sought-after lecturer, especially on the history of the Chidambaram temple, in her later years. An interview titled "Dancing with my Hands" published in Prasad Prakashan further detailed her dedication to Bharatanatyam and India. Liesbeth Pankaja considered herself a spiritual seeker, fascinated by India and its rich heritage from a very young age. She was based in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, but her extensive research and dance practice frequently brought her to India. Her official website, wwww.chidambaramhiddentreasure.com, served as a platform for her articles and insights into her work, including an archive on Nataraja Chidambaram. She also maintained a YouTube channel featuring videos related to her research and dance. Liesbeth Pankaja Bennink passed away on November 4, 2021.