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 Shivanubhuti: Portraying the form and formless attributes - Vijay Shanker e-mail: vijaydance@gmail.com July 13, 2024 Centre for Performing Arts, Ranga Kala Kendram (Government of Kerala) presented an enthralling presentation of 'Shivanubhuti' in the Bharatanatyam style by Dr Lata Surendra and her talented disciples at their auditorium in Varkala, near Thiruvanthapuram on 2nd June.  Lata Surendra Shivanubhuti is an awakening to the all pervasiveness of Shiva, from this world proceeds in him, lives in him and finally gets dissolved. Commencing with the formless, to the form, the merging of Shiva and Narayana, the duality of Ardhanarishwara and finally concluding with Adi Shankaracharya's "Na Ma Shi Va Ya" signifying the "pancha bhutas" of earth, water, fire, air and sky which is the quintessence of life and well-being.  Lata Surendra and disciples The nirguna or the formless is interpreted in the thisra jathi, adi tala Alarippu with ten aksharas, performed with precision, effortless ease and dexterity; from the formless to the form in which the 'ansh" or creation is seen in every creation, hence the cause of the causes. The worship of the Shivaling and the abstract creation of the Shivaling, defines the merging of Nirgun and Shagun state. Further on the intangible connect of Shiva and Vishnu, the description of the physical attributes of both Shiva and Vishnu culminates in "Shankaranarayana", hence forming a fine synthesis of both Shaivism and Vaishnavism and their responsibility in the process of preservation and creation and destruction that forms the virtual balance of evolution and creation. Each time a cycle begins with creation, continues for preservation for certain time duration and ultimately dissolves, It was interesting to watch the dancers recreate these aspects of life into the dance format with powerful and vbrant movements.  Lata Surendra's disciples The duality in Ardhanarishwara Swarupa combines the masculine and feminine attributes, representing both Shiva and Parvati, the masculine and feminine vitality as perceived by Adi Shankara. Realizing Shiva is to seek his benediction with the descent of Ganga, as she moves from the cradle of heaven with reluctance and rage due to the severe penance of the sage Bageeratha forms the "sancharis." It describes the physical attributes of Shiva and Parvati and the merging of the purusha and prakriti to form a cosmic wholesome creation. It was interesting to watch the choreography when the talented disciples Ananya M Iyer and Megha M Pillai moved with elegance and clarity of movements and expressions, according to the need of the varied scenes. The presentation concluded with Adi Shankaracharya's Pancha Akshara shlokam "Na Ma Shi Va Ya" that depict the significance of the pancha bhutas with relation to life and well-being and also vividly describes the magnificence and glory of the lord. The music composition was by N N Shivaprasad and dance choreography by Lata Surendra. Lata also explained the varied scenes before the performance, which was powerful and brilliant creating fine impression on the audience that included tourists as well.  Vijay Shankar is a Kuchipudi and Kathakali exponent, teacher, bilingual journalist, arts critic and actor. |
