A dance manufacturing that took the viewers on a visible tour of 11 Vishnu temples

‘Ekadasa Vishnum’ was a celebration of the 11 Tirunangur Divya Desams.
| Picture Credit score: M. Srinath

It’s an annual ritual for Asha Krishnakumar. Yr after 12 months, she chooses a Vaishnavite theme and after in depth analysis interprets it right into a full-fledged multimedia natya nadakam. Selecting 11 Vishnu temples known as Tirunangur Divya Desams, which kind part of the 108 Divya Desams, she lately introduced ‘Ekadasa Vishnum’ at Narada Gana Sabha, underneath the banner of her Darshanam Artwork Creations.

Conceptualised and curated by Asha, the grand spectacle was visualised by Sheela Unnikrishnan together with the scholars of her Sridevi Nrityalaya. Music was by Rajkumar Bharathi, Sai Shravanam labored on the soundscape, narration and chanting by Malola Kannan, Chitra Madhavan, Rangan Bhattar, Vedharajan and Damal Ramakrishnan had been the script consultants, lighting was by Murugan and Chella Movies dealt with the artistic LED show. Shanmugam was the person behind the gorgeous temple setting.

The eleven temples had been divided into small teams, highlighting their affiliation to legends of Rama, Krishna, Thayar, Perumal, Varadar and Srinivasa.

Greater than 70 dancers featured within the well-choreographed ‘Ekadasa Vishnum’
| Picture Credit score:
M. Srinath

 A tandavam carried out by Shiva and 11 Rudras (rising from the follicles of his hair) within the opening sequence portrayed the fiery type of Shiva with dramatic impact. The early lifetime of king Tirumangai Mannan and his transformation to Thirumangai Azhwar fashioned the introductory narrative, after which the manufacturing travelled by way of the Kshetras with Azhwar and his spouse Kumudavalli Nachiyar. 

The delight of the ruler whereas feeding thousand devotees every day, the dilemma he faces when his treasury turns into empty, the wily methods of a dacoit, and the king’s transformation to a elegant state of give up when he meets Perumal got here throughout with readability in the way in which the scene was choreographed and performer.

It was actually commendable that Sheela sustained the curiosity all through, weaving a riveting presentation, regardless of restricted data accessible on the sthala puranas of the temples. Tales or incidents pertaining to the deities relating to every phase of the manufacturing reminiscent of Govardhana Giri, Varaha Avataaram, Rama Ravana Yudham and Sempon Sei had been launched with brevity.

Ekadasa Vishnum was a mix of wonderful choreography, music, lighting, costumes, stage setting and make up.
| Picture Credit score:
M. Srinath

Working with greater than 70 dancers isn’t any straightforward process, Sheela not solely managed it with aplomb but additionally remembered the title of every dancer when she introduced through the curtain name. This dedication mirrored in each phase. Entries, exits, synchrony of actions, and apt expressions flowed seamlessly.

The brisk change in scenes and costumes (a mix of Bharatanatyam gown and attires referring to characters) was interesting. Video projections between every scene launched the viewers to the structure and historical past of the temples, which helped within the understanding of the narration.

The music, a mix of Carnatic and Hindustani ragas, had in style compositions reminiscent of ‘Sri Lakshmi Varaham’ and ‘Varadharajam Upasmahe’ fitted into it, appropriately. The chanting at common intervals enhanced the entire expertise by creating an aura of spirituality.

‘Ekadasa Vishnum’ was conceptualised and curated by Asha Krishnakumar at Narada Gana Sabha Corridor in Chennai
| Picture Credit score:
M. Srinath

The ultimate sequence was undoubtedly the spotlight of ‘Ekadasa Vishnum’. That includes the Garuda Seva utsavam of Tirunangur, the place all of the 11 types of Vishnu come collectively. Starting with a lovely depiction of Hamsa Vahana on which Azhwar and Nachiyar arrived, the introduction of every type of Vishnu and Garuda in a well-choregraphed sequence, utilizing a mix of twos and threes, was fascinating. The finale, which had all of the 11 dancing collectively, left the viewers awe-struck.