Brahmavidya
About Us
Brahmavidya is a Mysore-based foundation dedicated to the research, promotion, and development of Indian arts for over 25 years.
Established in 1989, the institution is rooted in the belief that all Indian arts are expressions of Brahmavidya—a sacred pursuit of Truth (Satya), Auspiciousness (Shubha), and Beauty (Sundara). Our vision embraces the plurality, purpose, and spiritual destination of art as a form of worship and self-realization.
While our primary focus lies in rigorous academic research across core and allied subjects of Indian knowledge systems, Brahmavidya also actively promotes and teaches Bharatanatyam, Karnataka (Carnatic) music, Yoga, and Sanskrit.
Our Core Activities
Training in Classical Arts
We offer structured training in Bharatanatyam and Karnataka music to students from India and abroad.
Special attention is given to students from economically weaker sections and those who are physically challenged, many of whom receive full scholarships and free resources.
Seminars, Workshops & Lecture Demonstrations
Regular mini and major events are conducted featuring renowned scholars, artists, and thinkers to foster new pathways in research and performance.
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Cultural Preservation
The institution collects rare manuscripts, books, instruments, and other materials vital to our curriculum and research.
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Gurukula Project – Upayukta Bhārata
A flagship initiative that integrates both theoretical and practical learning in classical music, dance, Yoga, traditional theatre techniques, choreography, and historical reconstruction. Interdisciplinary and immersive, this program exemplifies our commitment to holistic education.
Academic Leadership
Brahmavidya was profoundly shaped by the vision and guidance of Mahamahopadhyaya Dr. R. Sathyanarayana, a globally respected Indologist and one of the institution’s founding trustees. Until his passing, he remained a guiding force in nurturing Brahmavidya’s scholarly ethos and commitment to classical Indian knowledge systems. His legacy continues to inspire our academic and artistic pursuits.
The institution is now guided by a dedicated academic body that carries forward his vision, comprising experienced scholars and practitioners in the fields of music, dance, Sanskrit, and Indian philosophy.
Achievements, Honours, and Performances
Brahmavidya continues to uphold its rich legacy through the academic and artistic excellence of its faculty and students.
Mahamahopadhyaya Dr. R. Sathyanarayana, our revered guide and mentor, was conferred the ‘Sangit Natak Akademi Fellowship’ (Academic Rathna)—the highest national honor in the field of performing arts—by the President of India, Dr. Pranab Mukherjee, at the Durbar Hall, Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi.
Dr. R. S. Nandakumar, Sangita Vidwan and faculty at Brahmavidya, received his D.Litt from Kannada University, Hampi, for his seminal work titled “Sripadaraja: A Musicological Study.”
Smt. Radhika Nandakumar, Head of Dance and Bharatanatyam faculty, was conferred a traditional degree in classical dance by the historic Chintalapalli Parampara Trust, Karnataka.
Indradhwaja Mahotsava: A one-of-its-kind dance production based on the Nāṭyotpatti-prakaraṇa of Bharata’s Nāṭyaśāstra, conceptualized and performed under the guidance of the institution.
Bharat Kala Varsha – 2014: Brahmavidya hosted its annual music and dance festival, celebrating the classical arts with performances by students and guest artists.
An Evening with Smt. Rajyashree Ramesh: A distinguished Bharatanatyam exponent based in Berlin, Smt. Rajyashree presented ‘The Cosmic Body’, a unique thematic performance hosted and co-sponsored by Brahmavidya in association with cultural organizations in Mysore.
Our Locations
Infrastructure
No. 12, Trayeelakshmi, 9th Cross, 4th Main, Jayanagar, Mysore – 570014
Administrative & Academic Office:
This space houses our library, classrooms, musical instruments, and computer facilities. Classes in music theory and practice are currently conducted here by Dr. R. S. Nandakumar and Vidushi Gouri Sathyanarayana, continuing the rich academic tradition established by the late Mahamahopadhyaya Dr. R. Sathyanarayana.
31/A, JT Koppal 5th Stage, Kuvempunagar, Mysore – 570014
Natyashala (Dance Studio):
Equipped with a spacious hall, rooms, and amenities, this premises facilitates dance training, workshops, mini-concerts, and online classes. Dr. Radhika Nandakumar leads the dance faculty from this location.
Brahmavidya Key Initiatives
Bharata Shala
Our cultural hub in Mysore, constructed following the principles of Nāṭyaśāstra, houses a well-equipped Nāṭyaśālā and serves as a guru-gṛha (residential learning space) for our students.
Commemorative Art Festival
Held annually on July 18th to honor His Highness Jayachamaraja Wadiyar, the last Maharaja of Mysore. This prestigious national-level festival features eminent dignitaries and musicians, and includes the conferment of the ‘Chitprabhananda’ Award. It also marks the celebration of Karnataka Vaggeyakara Day (Composer’s Day), spotlighting Karnataka’s legendary composers.
Vākyārtha Sabha
A unique academic seminar dedicated to the study and interpretation of classical texts in music and dance, conducted annually in an intimate gurugruha setting.
Affiliation with Dravidian University
Brahmavidya is now a recognized centre for distance and continuing education in fine arts under Dravidian University, Kuppam. This provides aspiring students and researchers with access to accredited degrees and certification.
Our Vision
Ahead.
Brahmavidya envisions establishing more centres across Karnataka to expand its mission of promoting authentic Indian art and values.
With ongoing support from institutions like the Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India, Kannada and Culture Department of Karnataka, and Sangeet Natak Akademi, our research and performance projects continue to grow in scale and impact.