Mohiniyattam is a semi-classical dance form of Kerala. It is perfomed by women. The word Mohini means a maiden who steals the heart of the onlooker. It is thought that Vaishnava devotees gave the name of Mohiniattam to this dance form. Legend says that Lord Vishnu took on the guise of a Mohini, the arch enchantress, to enthrall people. The movements are graceful and the costumes are sober and attractive. Mohiniattam follows the Hastha Lakshanadeepika, a textbook for Mudras.