Watch Sons of Shiva

Sons of Shiva is a 1985 documentary film directed by Robert Gardner. The film explores the world of the Nataraja, the Lord of Dance, and the complex and intricate dance rituals performed by his devotees in the state of Tamil Nadu in southern India. The film opens with a powerful evocation of the deity Nataraja, believed by his devotees to be both the creator and the destroyer of the universe. The image of the dancing god is shown in intricate detail, revealing the complex symbolism and imagery of the statue.

From here, the film moves into an exploration of the practices and beliefs of the Nataraja's followers, particularly the devadasis, or sacred dancers, who have dedicated their lives to the service of the god. We are introduced to the devadasis through the eyes of a young American dancer named Wellesley Aron, who has come to Tamil Nadu to study their techniques and learn more about their traditions.

The film then takes us on a mesmerizing journey through the world of the devadasis as they perform their intricate dance rituals in the temples and streets of Tamil Nadu. We see the devadasis adorned in their beautiful costumes and jewelry, moving with fluid grace and precision as they enact stories from the Hindu mythologies.

Through interviews with the devadasis and their supporters, we learn about the rich history and tradition of this ancient art form and the challenges it faces in a modern world that often views it as immoral and exploitative. We also see the deep spiritual connections between the dancers and their god, as they express their devotion and gratitude through music and dance.

The film is also a meditation on the power of art and its ability to transcend cultural and linguistic barriers. We see Aron, initially an outsider, slowly drawn into the world of the devadasis, learning from them and becoming a part of their community through the universal language of dance.

The cinematography of the film is breathtaking, with stunning images of the temples and landscapes of Tamil Nadu, as well as close-ups of the intricate movements of the devadasis. The sound design is equally impressive, with a mixture of traditional Indian music and modern compositions that capture the intensity and spirituality of the dance rituals.

Sons of Shiva is a powerful and moving film that provides a deep and insightful look into the world of the devadasis and their devotion to the Lord of Dance. It is also a celebration of the power of art and its ability to unite people from different cultures and backgrounds. Through its beautiful images and mesmerizing music, the film transports viewers to a world of beauty, devotion, and spirituality.

Sons of Shiva is a 2000 special interest movie with a runtime of 29 minutes.