Experience the divine
Experience the divine
Ragam: Ahirbhairavi
Tala: Adi
Composer: King of Lanka - Ravana
Shiva Tandava Stotram
The Tandava Stotra is a powerful hymn describing Lord Shiva's cosmic dance. Known as the creator, destroyer and purifier, the stotram vividly depicts Shiva's divine attributes, including his adornments, actions, and the universal significance of his dance. Reciting this stotra is believed to purify the soul, evoke devotion, and bestow prosperity and blessings from Lord Shiva.
The Alarippu, meaning "flowering bud," is traditionally the first dance piece Bharatanatyam dancers learn and perform. Created in five different talas by the Tanjore Quartet, it consists of basic steps without abhinaya (facial expressions). Entirely based on rhythm, the Alarippu focuses on relaxing the dancer's body and mind. It symbolizes the offering of respect to God, the guru, and the audience, and features extensive neck, eye, and head movements, representing the dancer's awakening and readiness for the performance.
Raga: —
Tala: Tisra Ekam
Composer: Tanjore Quartet
Choreographer: Rukmini Devi Arundale, 1904 to 1986 CE
Alarippu
Raga: Shanmugapriya
Tala: Adi
Composer: Tanjore Quartet
Murugan Kautvam
This kauthvam is a rhythmic invocation to Lord Muruga (Karthikeyan), the younger son of Shiva and Parvati. It praises his prowess in destroying miseries, wielding the divine vel, and riding the peacock around Mount Kailash. The verses highlight his proficiency in rhythm and his ability to tear seas and break mountains. Devotees pray to his feet, seeking blessings and the ultimate fruit of their devotion. The kauthvam combines intricate rhythmic patterns (jathis) with devotional lyrics, symbolizing reverence and rhythmic excellence.
In Bharatanatyam, a Varnam is the central and most elaborate piece, combining pure dance (nritta) and expressive dance (abhinaya). The Dashavataram Varnam depicts the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu, showcasing his divine interventions in various forms to restore cosmic order. Each avatar—from the fish Matsya to the warrior Kalki—is portrayed through intricate dance sequences and expressive storytelling. This Varnam symbolizes devotion, illustrating Vishnu's protection and guidance across different eras, highlighting his role as the preserver of the universe.
Raga: Ragamalika
Tala: Adi
Composer: Jayadeva (1170-1245)
Dashavataram
"Kalinga Nartana Thillana" is a dynamic and vibrant composition that brings to life the legendary dance of Lord Krishna as he subdues the serpent Kalinga for his play ball. Set in a fast-paced rhythm, this Thillana is characterized by intricate footwork, graceful movements, and expressive abhinaya. The dance portrays the divine playfulness of Krishna and his supreme power, creating an enchanting narrative that mesmerizes the audience. The energetic and joyous nature of the Thillana leaves a lasting impression, celebrating both tradition and the dancer's artistic journey.
Raga: Gambheera Nattai
Tala: Adi
Composer: Oothukadu Venkata Kavi (1700-1765)
Kalinga Nartana Thillana
"Aigiri Nandini," also known as "Mahishasura Mardini Stotram," is a powerful and popular devotional hymn dedicated to Goddess Durga. The lyrics vividly describe her valor, strength, and divine beauty, invoking her as the ultimate source of power and protection. The rhythmic and dynamic nature of "Aigiri Nandini" makes it a captivating piece in classical dance performances, showcasing the dancer's ability to convey both grace and intensity. Through intricate footwork, expressive abhinaya (facial expressions), and powerful poses, the dancer brings to life the epic nature of good and evil and the divinity of female power.
Raga: Revathi
Tala: Adi
Composer: Adi Shankaracharya
Aiygiri Nandini
Raga: Ahir Bhairavi
Tala: Adi
Composer: Oothukadu Venkatakavi (1700-1765 CE)
Kannan Varungindra Neram
“Kannan Varugindra Neram” is a traditional Tamil song expressing the anticipation of Lord Krishna's arrival. The Pallavi describes the picturesque setting as the time approaches, with the riverbanks adorned by the breeze, despite the absence of nightingale's song. However, the arrival of Krishna's flute music brings back lost souls. The Charanam extols Krishna's divine attributes, likening his smile to the most beautiful jasmine flower and highlighting the devotion of his followers. It portrays the undying love and faith of devotees awaiting Krishna's presence. This song falls under the category of devotional compositions in Bharatanatyam repertoire, capturing the essence of devotion and anticipation.
A Thillana is a lively and rhythmic dance composition typically performed towards the end of a dance recital. "Gauri Nayaka" is a Thillana praising Lord Shiva. It extols his various attributes and roles, such as the destroyer of Yama, bearer of the Ganga, and king of dancers. The composition invokes protection from Shiva and celebrates his divine presence through vibrant rhythms and devotional lyrics.
Raga: —
Tala: Simhanandanam
Composer: Maha Vaidyanatha Iyer, 1844 - 1893 CE