Chapter 1 - Dialogue of Indra and Nandikeśvara

Indra.—I bow to Nandikeśvara, who dwells on Kailāsa’s mount, the ocean of the essence of compassion, who reveals the meaning of the Laws of Dancing.

Nandikeśvara.—Welcome to the King of the Suras! Is it well with the dwellers in heaven? What is the cause that brings you here before me?

Inḍra.—This devotee of thine, this dancer, head of the dancing-hall thy patronage adorns, has come to ask a favour. Nandikeśvara.—Tell me truly and fully what I can do for you. Indra.—In the dancing-hall of the Daityas there is a dancer of the name of Nataśekhara. Indra seeks the Bharatārṇava, composed by thee, that he may gain the victory over him by authentic knowledge of the skill of dancing.

Nandikeśvara.—Hear, then, with attention the Bharatārṇava lore complete in four thousand verses.

Indra.—O Nandikeśvara, image of compassion, apart from that immensity, pray relate to me the authentic and entire Laws of Dancing in a more concise form.

Nandikeśvara.—O wise of heart, O Deva, I reveal accordingly an abridgment of the Bharatārṇava. Receive this simple “Mirror” attentively.