Bhaktipravaham: The flow of devotion

Invoking divinity, the Bharatha Natyam recital ‘Bhaktipravaham’ by ‘Shringar Mani’ CA Subhashni Giridhar showcased the Navavidhis – the nine ways to devotion. The program conducted under the aegis of Ministry of Culture at Ravindra Bharathi began with a Shabdam – a Tanjore Quartet composition in Ragamalika ‘Saraseejakshulu Jaladha Made’. Subhashni depicted childish pranks of Lord Krishna like when he hides the sarees of gopis and steals butter etc., through her flawless presentation.

It was the varnam – ‘Bala Gopalam’ in Panthuraavali Raagam that the dance Guru used to depict Lord Krishna’s Leela and Nava Vidha Bhakthi - Smaranam, Paada sevanam, Archanam, Sakhyam, Aatma Nivedanam. The Tanjore Quartet composition began with a shloka from Srimad Bhagawad gita, “Parithranaaya Saadhunaam” to show the 10 incarnations (Dasavataram) of Lord Vishnu. In this 45 minutes Varnam Subhashni Giridhar was accompanied by her students Suditi Ganguly, Alaysha Pal and Tanishka devi Yenugadhati.

She also did three paasurams from Thirrupaavai by Aandaal -Godha Devi, in which she depicted the story of Vaamana avatar / Trivikraman – measuring the universe, sky and King Bali with his 3 giant feet. Her rendition of Sri Annamacharya Keertana ‘Emuko’ and Thillana in Behaag ragam enthralled the audience. The live orchestra with Nattuvangam by IV Renuka Prasad, vocal support by Mantha Srinivas, Mridangam by Sridara Charya, violin by Sai Kumar Kolanka and flute by VBS Murali, added allure to the recital.