Veeragase is a popular folk dance prevalent in the state of Karnataka, India. It is a vigorous dance based on Hindu mythology and involves very intense energy-sapping dance movements. Veeragase is one of the dances demonstrated in the Dasara procession held in Mysore. Veeragase gets its name from the Hindu legendary warrior and its a symbolic presentation of his heroism and valour at the time of Dakshayagna.
According to Hindu mythology Veerabhadra was a super being created by the wrath of Rudra (Lord Shiva) to destroy Daksha. Daksha was the chief of gods, his youngest daughter Sati (aka Dakshayani) set her heart on Shiva, worshipping him in secret. At the time of Swayamvara (was a practice in ancient India where a girl of marriageable age can choose a life partner from among a list of suitors. Swayam in Sanskrit means self and vara means choice or desire.)of Sati, Daksha invited all gods and celestial beings except Shiva. Sati cast her garland in the air, calling upon Shiva to receive the garland and miraculously he stood in midst of the court with the garland around his neck. Daksha had no choice but to get his daughter married to Shiva even though he was much against this marriage and he bore enmity with Shiva