Mayilattam

What is Mayilattam?

Mayilattam is a dance performed as a religious offering in Hindu temples, mainly in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The dancer, usually a woman, wears a costume covered in peacock feathers with a headdress and skirt, and stands on tall wooden stilts. The performance imitates the movements of a peacock, including gestures that show the bird cleaning its feathers. The dance is both a visual and physical tribute to Murugan, the Hindu deity whose mount is the peacock.

Where does Mayilattam come from?

Mayilattam is believed to have started in Tamil Nadu, where women performed it to honour Lord Subrahmanya, also called Murugan or Kartikeya. Over time, it became a tradition in Murugan temples, especially during festivals. The dance is now also seen in Kerala and among Tamil communities in Malaysia. While the custom remains important, fewer people take it up today due to the demanding practice and low pay for performers.

How is Mayilattam danced?

The dancer imitates a peacock’s actions, such as cleaning its feathers with its beak and legs. Movements are carefully planned, beginning with slow, close steps in a circular pattern. As the music speeds up, the dancer’s steps become faster and the circular order breaks down. The use of tall wooden stilts adds to the challenge and spectacle, requiring balance and skill.

The music of Mayilattam

The sources do not describe the specific music or instruments used for Mayilattam. The dance is performed to a melody that starts slow and becomes faster, guiding the pace and pattern of the dancer’s movements.

Costume and what is carried

A Mayilattam costume includes a headdress, jewelry, and a skirt made of real peacock feathers. The feathers are gathered and assembled over several weeks. The costume is designed to open and close, mimicking a peacock’s tail. Dancers also wear tall wooden stilts attached to their feet, which are essential to the dance.

When and where Mayilattam is danced

Mayilattam is performed in Murugan temples during festivals, especially Thaipusam. It is a traditional offering to the deity and is seen as a sacred act. In Malaysia, Tamil communities continue the practice at the Batu Caves temple during Thaipusam, though the number of dancers is decreasing as fewer people learn the art.

Styles of Mayilattam

While the dance is rooted in Tamil Nadu, it is also performed in Kerala and by the Tamil diaspora in Malaysia. Some traditions include honouring Krishna as well as Murugan. The style and costume may vary slightly by region, but the core elements remain the same.

What Mayilattam means

Mayilattam is a symbol of devotion to Murugan and is closely tied to temple festivals. It is valued as a living tradition among Tamil Hindus, both in India and abroad. The decline in performers is a concern, as the dance requires dedication and skill, and fewer young people are taking it up.

Days Mayilattam is danced for

Questions people ask about Mayilattam

Good reading and sources

• Mayilattam on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos and video on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos and video
• Wikidata recordOpen data
• Videos of Mayilattam on YouTubeSearch results, not chosen by Ghungroo