The term Mohiniyattam comes from the words 'Mohini' meaning a woman who enchants onlookers and, 'aattam' meaning graceful and sensuous body movements. The origin of Mohiniyattom is rooted in Hindu mythology.

This art form personifies the love and devotion to God with its slow, graceful, swaying movements. It follows the Lasya style described in Natya Shastra.