|     |
|
| |
 A divine dance odyssey: Meera Sreenarayanan's 'Hanta Bhagyam Jananam' - Aparna Vasudevan e-mail: aparnavg4@gmail.com January 12, 2025 In the latest masterpiece by Bharatanatyam dancer Meera Sreenarayanan, 'Hanta Bhagyam Jananam,' the veneration of Lord Krishna unfolds through the evocative tales of his devoted followers. Through her choreography, Meera has not only carved her name deeper into the annals of Bharatanatyam but has stepped confidently into the sanctum of choreographers, interlacing a spellbinding narrative of devotion on stage. Presented on YouTube channel for 'Spirit of Margazhi', this production is a nuanced exploration of spirituality and artistry, underscoring the potential of dance as a medium to tell timeless stories of devotion. In this Margazhi season, the digital realm comes alive with the rhythmic beats of a virtual dance feast, where Bharatanatyam's ancient steps meet modern flair.  Meera Sreenarayanan The Viswaroopa of Mahavishnu The journey begins with Vasudeva's gaze, encapsulating the magnificent Viswaroopa of Lord Mahavishnu. Here, Meera shone, her physicality and elegance mirroring the beauty of the divine. The carefully curated costumes and ornate jewellery enhanced the visual splendour, framing her presence as both daughter of the earth and representative of the celestial. The harmonious fusion of movement and expressive storytelling evoked a collective sigh of reverence - a spectacle where dancer and deity intertwined, each magnifying the other's innate beauty. Scene Two: A symphony of rhythm and grace As the energy shifted, we were treated to a breathtaking display of nritta interwoven with the subtleties of Kerala's traditional dance form. Utilizing traditional percussion instruments, the choreography flowed seamlessly with the Anandabhairavi raga, symbolizing the unadulterated joy of divine connection. In this scene, the graceful sway of the dancer resembled the divine rhythm of Goddess Mahalakshmi, as she twirls amidst the rippling tides of the milky ocean. The stage transcended into a poetic tapestry of movement, reflecting the rhythm of the cosmos itself. Scene Three: The royal walk of Guruvayur Kesava Next, the beat of Guruvayur temple resonated as Meera transported us into the royal procession of the holy elephant, Guruvayur Kesava. With a grace and charm echoing the poetic elegance of elephant beauty celebrated in the verses of the Atharva Veda, she filled the atmosphere with a profound sense of devotion. Each gesture was meticulously crafted, portraying both the majesty of the elephant king and the tenderness of his heart, ultimately culminating in a moving representation of the elephant's liberation - moksha. Scene Four: The lullaby of Poonthanam A gentle lullaby in Neelambari raga painted the next scene - pure magic unfolded as we journeyed into the life of Poonthanam, the esteemed devotee of Guruvayurappa. The choreography artfully chronicled Poonthanam's profound devotion and his poetic creation of Jnaanappana, portraying moments of realization that resonated deeply within the viewer's soul. Here, the dance not only told a story but reverberated with the essence of bhakti - an emotional introspection that transcended the ordinary. Scene Five: The enlightening devotion of Kurooramma As Kurooramma begins to chant the Krishna mantra, the atmosphere thickens with devotional fervor. Meera's interpretation of Kurooramma was poignant; she portrayed the loss of light followed by the illuminating presence of little Krishna. The use of light as a prop in this segment was masterful, portraying the transformative power of divine love. Meera's ability to embody both the divine playfulness of Krishna and the deep yearning of Kurooramma culminated in a vivid dramatic spectacle, reminding us of the beautiful mischief woven into the fabric of devotion. Scene Six: Narayana Bhattathiri's celestial yearning In the heart of the production lay a breathtaking homage to Melpathoor Narayana Bhattathiri, resonating through the exquisite Hindola raga. This segment encapsulated Narayana Bhattathiri's poignant longing to witness Krishna, a moment artistically rendered with precision and soul. The convergence of emotion and artistry manifested beautifully as Meera's facial expressions painted the narrative of pure devotion, drawing us into the innate joy of the Narayaneeyam - the divine essence of worship. Closing Scene: The souls on a celestial quest The finale transported us to the astral realm where divine souls seek the ultimate union with Guruvayurappa. Here, Meera encapsulated the pursuit of moksha, a poignant reminder of our journey towards the divine. The stage resonated with a sense of collective yearning, and we were left in a reflective silence, tethered by the reach of Meera's artistry. As we applaud Meera for this remarkable choreography, it is essential to recognize the contributions of the incredible musicians who brought her vision to life. Bijeesh Krishna's composition was a harmonious blend of melody and rhythm, while the talents of Thrissur M. Shyam Kalyan on violin, V. Soundhararajan on veena, and the ensemble of percussionists created a delightful auditory landscape. Rajith George's recording expertise and the lyrics crafted by His Holiness Maharanyam Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji added layers of depth, culminating in a truly inspiring production.  Based in Kozhikode, Aparna Vasudevan is a performer of Bharatanatyam and Kathakali, an educator and researcher. |
