Ganesh Kauthuvam
Kauthuvam is an invocatory item in Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi recitals. It is a hymn, a song of devotion in praise of a deity. It was performed by the devadasis as part of the daily rituals, or on special occasions or during the festivals. Most of the Kauthuvams are dedicated to a particular deity like Shiva or Ganesha, and today’s piece is on Lord Ganesha. Ganesha Kauthuvam - Ganesha is known as the God of wealth, sciences, knowledge, wisdom and prosperity, and that's why most Hindus remember him and seek his blessings before starting any important work. Lord Ganesha is known by 108 different names like Gajanana, Vinayaka, Vighnaharta among others. Although Ganesha has many attributes, he is readily identified by his elephant head. He is widely revered, more specifically, as the remover of obstacles; the patron of arts and sciences; and the deva of intellect and wisdom. As the god of beginnings, he is honoured at the start of rites and ceremonies. Ganesha is also invoked as patron of letters and learning during writing sessions.
This song is in praise of Lord Ganesha.
Ragam: Ragamalika
Thalam: Adi Thalam
Choreography : Guru Padmabhushan Dr.Vempati Chinna Satyam
Koluvaithiva Rangashayi
This song, a composition of the famous poet Sri. Devulapalli Krishna Sastry. This is a devotional song which offers praise to Lord Ranganatha of Srirangam. Here the dancers describe the beautiful form of Sri Ranganatha as he reclines in the Srirangam temple. They wonder if even a thousand eyes are sufficient to admire the beauty of the Lord and His enchanting consort Sri Lakshmi. The devotees then seek the blessings of the Lord.
Ragam : Ramapriya, Mohanam
Thalam : Adi Thalam
Choreography : Guru Padmabhushan Dr. Vempati Chinna Satyam
Krishnam Kalayasakhi by Narayanatheertha
Look at this beautiful Krishna! Keep on looking at this beautiful kid, Krishna ! He is devoid of any interest in material things. He, the prime mover of the entire universe.. He is Sriman-Narayana, the nemesis of the demons. Keep on looking at this beautiful kid, Krishna.
He dances (innocently). This incarnation of permanence, beyond all the transient things. He has immense affection towards his devotees. He is the ultimate truth. Keep on looking at this beautiful kid, Krishna. He is engaged perennially, in his delightful pastime of amorous music and poetry as keenly as though he is playing in the chaste waters of the river Ganga,
Keep on looking at this beautiful kid, Krishna. He is the granter of meaningful wealth and fortune. He averts all disasters and misfortunes. He is the ultimate bliss that Narayanatheertha strives to attain. Keep on looking at this beautiful kid, Krishna.
Raagam : Mukhari
Thalam : Adi Thalam
Choreography : Guru Samidha Satyam
Kulukaka Nadavaro
In this piece, the author requests the beautiful maids, carrying the palanquin of Goddess Alamelumanga, to walk slowly and softly. As their fast-paced walk with bounce, is disturbing the beautiful floral decoration, ornaments and the rich attire of Goddess Alamelumanga, who is travelling by the palanquin to join her beloved husband, Lord Venkateswara of Tirumala. This is a composition of telugu pada kavitha pitamaha Annamacharya.
Raagam : Athana
Thalam : Adi Thalam
Choreography : Guru Padmabhushan Dr. Vempati Chinna Satyam
Naadathanumanisham
Naada thanumanisham, A Keertana penned by none other than Saint poet Tyagaraja. Naad-thanumanisham describes Lord Shiva as an embodiment of music and he says oh lord you are the embodiment of music and I tribute my entire knowledge of music to you. You are the one who gives eternal joy and bliss to anybody who praises you. You are Panchavaktra or the lord who has the 5 faces and anybody who gives you joy with music you just surrender to them and bless them. The dancer quotes an example of Raavana who praised Shiva to get the Aatmalinga. When Shiva does not appear he rips apart his abdomen, pulls out his intestines and plays the rudra veena to appease Shiva. Shiva, moved to tears, comes running to Raavana and blesses him with Aatmalinga, such is the power of music. Even the gods and universe can jump in joy.
Raagam : Chittaranjani
Thalam : Adi Thalam
Choreography : Guru Samidha Satyam
Kadanakuthulam Thillana
We continue with the Thillana – the finale of most South Indian classical dance repertoires. It is a dance of joy, of pure nritya, set to intricate rhythmic patterns and complex movements.This is one of the masterpieces of the musical legend Dr. Mangalampalli Balamurali Krishna.
Ragam: Kadanakutuhalam
Thalam: Adi Thalam
Choreography : Guru Sri Kishore Mosalikanti
Aarathi
In this joyful and vibrant composition of the poet-saint Purandaradasa, he invites all the married women or Muttaidus to join him in the Aarthi Pooja to Lord Venkataramana, who is none other than Lord MahaVishnu seated with His consort Goddess Mahalakshmi.This popular song, as a finale to the proceedings, is usually heard only in temples and poojas. Rarely seen in a Kuchipudi repertoire, this Aarahi, replacing the traditional mangalam, has been adapted expressively in dance to show the ten incarnations taken by the Lord to restore righteousness to the world.
Ragam : Suruti
Thalam: Trisragati Thalam
Choreography : Guru Sri Kishore Mosalikanti
