In Hinduism

Natyashastra (theatrics and dramaturgy)

Source: Wisdom Library: Nāṭya-śāstra

Yamamantra (यममन्त्र).—Before any dramatic performance (nāṭya) takes place, gods and demigods should be worshipped (pūjā) in ceremonies such as the ‘consecration of the mattavāraṇī’. According to the Nāṭyaśāstra 3.40-44 gods and demigods should be worshipped with offerings (e.g. different kinds of foodstuff ) and mantras.

The mantra for Yama and Mitra to be uttered at the time of making offering, goes as follows:

यमो मित्रश्च भगवानीश्वरौ लोकपूजितौ ।
इमं मे प्रतिगृह्णीतां बलिः मन्त्रपुरस्कृतम् ॥

yamo mitraśca bhagavānīśvarau lokapūjitau |
imaṃ me pratigṛhṇītāṃ baliḥ mantrapuraskṛtam ||

“O Yama and Mitra, the gods who are adored by all the worlds, accept this my best offering.”

According to Nāṭyaśāstra 3.96-97, “Offering worship to the gods of the stage is as meritorious as a [Vedic] sacrifice. No dramatic performance should be made without first worshipping the deities presiding over the stage. When worshipped, they (these gods) will bring you worship, and honoured they will bring you honour. Hence one should by all efforts offer pūjā to the gods of the stage.”

context information

Natyashastra (नाट्यशास्त्र, nāṭyaśāstra) refers to both the ancient Indian tradition (shastra) of performing arts, (natya—theatrics, drama, dance, music), as well as the name of a Sanskrit work dealing with these subjects. It also teaches the rules for composing Dramatic plays (nataka), construction and performance of Theater, and Poetic works (kavya).

See also (Relevant definitions)

Partial matches: Yama, Mantra.

Ends with: Shyamamantra.

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