Editing Pūrvaraṅga (Prelude) in Bharatanāṭya (section)

=== '''''Cūrṇike''''' ===
Smaller compositions that consists of praising the Lord and/or chanting the good deeds of the King are called ''Cūrṇike''. These are in the form of a prayer as well and sung in a specific ''Rāga'' (usually ''Karnāṭic Raga'' called  ''Ārabhi'') without repeating the verses. 

''Cūrṇike'' was very much prevalent in the ''Pūrvaraṅga'' (preliminary of a performance) of ''Sadir''<ref>One among the earlier names for ''Bharatanāṭyam;'' other names being ''Kūttu'', ''Dāsiyāṭṭam'', ''Tāphe''.</ref> dance. Reciting ''Cūrṇike'' introduced the details about the performance to the audience and set the right environment for the performance to begin. This was in the form of an auspicious beginning, also involved ''Abhinaya''.  

Before the beginning of the performance, the dancer places her hand on the ''Mṛdaṅga'' and recited the ''Cūrṇike. During this recitation, it was devoid of Abhinaya and filled with the richness of the words.''  Such ''Cūrṇike-s'' included praises on ''Bharata Muni,'' description of ''Raṅgādhidevatā'', description of the King/patron and so on. It was mandatory to sing ''Cūrṇike'' in auspecious ''Ārabhi'' or ''Devagāndhāri'' ''Rāga.''<ref>Pg.95-96, ''Nṛtya Mārga Mukura'' authored by Dr Manorama B N</ref> 

In another traditional practice, the dancer would bring colorful sticks, place them in the center of the stage and pay obeisance. On returning back, ''Cūrnike'' would be sung in one go with repeating the verses. During the times of ''Bharatanāṭya'' in the Mysore King’s rule, ''Cūrnike'' was initially recited/sung. Later on it was danced for after the ''Raṅgapūja'' (worshipping the stage).<ref>Pg. 96, ''Nṛtya Mārga Mukura'' authored by Dr Manorama B N</ref> 

From being a part of the ''Pūrvaraṅga'', this composition finds a place in the second half of the ''Bharatanāṭya'' ''mārgaṁ'' in the form of a ''stuti'' (prayer). It was also a traditional practice to present ''Cūrṇike'' in extempore style while lunch is served to the Brahmins on ''Pūja'' or ''Madhyanna Bhojana'' ( in between the Lunch time)  and such other special occasions during ceremony and rituals. This was a way to offer gratitude and satisfaction to the ''Paramātma'' within. Singing ''Cūrṇike'' is still in practice in Mogeri and other parts of South Canara. ''Rāga''-s ''Mālkauns (Hindoḷa i''s the equivalent ''rāga in'' Karnatic Music system'')'' and ''Bhimpalas (''equivalent ''rāga'' in Carnatic Music system is ''Abheri)'' are employed while singing ''Cūrṇike;'' and other ''śloka-s'' (Chants).