Mallaari, Ganesha, & Vishnu Slokas

The performance begins with a Mallaari, originally an instrumental invocation played on the Naadaswaram heralding temple processions. The dancer performs the rhythmic composition in three tempos, following an offering of flowers to the Lord of Dance, Nataraaja, & seeking the blessings of her dance guru, the orchestra, & the audience. A sloka (hymn) in praise of the elephant headed Lord Ganesha, the remover of all obstacles, is followed by slokas in praise of the Lord Vishnu, the preserver & sustainer of the universe, the consort of Goddess Lakshmi, & the bearer of the conch & discus.

Raaga: Gambheera Naattai, Raagamaalika

Taala: Khanda Triputa, Misram

Language: Sanskrit

Lyrics: Aadi Sankara

Music: Mallari -Traditional; Vishnu slokas - Asha Ramesh

Priya Raagamaalika Jathiswaram

This piece presents rhythmic passages of dance (nritta) that are performed to a combination of swaras (notes) set to particular raagas (melodies) & taalas (rhythmic cycles).

Raaga: Raagamaalika (a garland of ragas)

Taala: Taalamaalika (a garland of taalas)

Composer: Smt. Ranganayaki Jayaraman

Varnam - Innam En Manam

The varnam, meaning color in Sanskrit, is the most elaborate piece of the Bharatanatyam recital. In this piece, the devotee addresses her lover Krishna:

'Is it just that you behave like you are unaware of my love for you?

Did you learn all your tricky ways from childhood?

O Lotus eyed one, who has lotus hands & feet, because of your hard heartedness towards me, I am forlorn & weary with this separation.

O beautiful Krishna, will you not alleviate my grievances?'

Raaga: Chaarukesi

Taala: Aadi

Language: Tamil

Composer: Sri Lalgudi Jayaraman

Ashta Rasa & Sarasijanaabha

The dancer begins with a description of eight emotions expressed by Goddess Parvati such as love, fear, disgust, wonder, anger, valor, mirth, & compassion. This is followed by a song that describes the beautiful Goddess Paarvati, sister of Lord Vishnu & married to Lord Shiva. The piece ends with a scene from the battle between the Goddess & the demon Mahishaasura whom she vanquishes with ease.

Raaga: Ashta Rasa - Raagamalika; Sarasijanaabha - Naagagaandhaari

Taala: Rupakam

Language: Sanskrit

Lyrics: Adi Sankara (Ashta Rasa),

Composer: Muthuswami Dikshitar (Sarasijanaabha)

Krishna Nee Begane Baaro

This composition depicts the relationship between Krishna & his mother Yashoda. She looks for many playful ways to capture his attention & dresses him up lovingly. One day, Yashoda sees Krishna eating dirt & asks him firmly to open his mouth. She looks upon in astonishment as she sees the entire universe in his mouth, whereupon she realizes that her son is none other than the great Lord Vishnu.

Raaga: Yaman Kalyaani

Taala: Misra chapu

Language: Kannada

Composer: Vyasaraaya

Ganga Thillana

The thillana is the joyous finale of a Bharatanatyam arangetram. By combining intricate rhythmic patterns & sculpturesque poses, the thillana presents rhythmic precision with grace & fluidity. The lyrics of this piece depict the story of River Ganga as she comes down from the heavens, vigorously bringing energy to Earth while having interactions with both Lord Shiva & Sage Bhagiratha.

Ragam: Brindaavani

Talam: Aadi

Language: Slokas - Sanskrit

Composer: Thillana - M. Balamurali Krishna

Additional music: Asha Ramesh