Darshanam Art Creations is staging its grand dance production, Varadar – the most benevolent God of Kanchi. After showcasing the specialities of Srirangam Aranganin Padhaiyil and Tirumala (Srinivasam Prapadye), the production house is bringing under spotlight the deity of Kanchipuram on July 23, at Narada Gana Sabha, Chennai.
“I have always been fascinated by Kanchi Varadar,” says Asha Krishnakumar, who has conceptualised and curated the show. “There are quite a few aspects, which are of eternal interest,” she adds. For instance, how did Lord Varadar evolve? Why did He choose Kanchipuram as his abode? Why is He referred to as the boon giver? What is the story behind the two lizard images on the ceiling of the temple? Why is the hillock on which the Lord stands shaped like an elephant? What are the stories behind the beautiful architectural marvels in the temple?
Apart from depicting the legend regarding the temple and the deity, the presentation will feature several fascinating episodes drawing from history, inscriptions, mythology and folklore.
It will be presented as a conversation between a grandfather (who is the sutradar or the narrator of the show) and his little granddaughter, who have come to Kanchi to witness the grand 10-day Brahmotsavam of the temple.
The lyrics, chosen in consultation with Damal Ramakrishnan, are from the works of Acharyas and Azhwars, such as Vedanta Desikar, Tirukachi Nambigal, Ramanujar, Doddacharya, Tirumangai Azhwar and Boothathazhwar, who were ardent devotees of Varadar and closely associated with the temple.
Resource persons
In the making of the dance-drama, the views of K.V. Raman, renowned archaeologist and Chithra Madhavan, historian, who specialises in temple inscriptions and architecture, were sought to confirm the authenticity of the facts presented.
Rajkumar Bharathi has composed the music, for which soundscape and audio design have been done by Sai Shravanam.
Chella Videos has taken care of LED graphics, which provide the backdrop to give the audience the feeling of being inside the temple and witnessing all events leading up to the famous Garuda Sevai.
The highlights of the natyam, choreographed by Jayanthi Subramaniam, are Varadar’s evolution from Brahma’s Yagam, the stories that bring out the benevolence of Varadar and Perundevi Thayar and the stunning vahanams on which Varadar comes in procession during Brahmotsavam.
The stage setting, a grand affair, is by Shanmugam. The narration (in chaste Tamil and in the form of Bhagavatham) by Sri Malola Kannan introduces the natya sequence before every scene, which will be especially useful when the dance conveys the philosophical underpinnings given by Varadar and propagated by Ramanujar.
Viewers will receive a booklet (in English), compiled to capture the episodes presented on stage and underline some of the unique features of the temple.
Tickets for the show can be bought: Online at: www.eventjini.com; On Call: 9445222682/ 9841031023; or at Narada Gana Sabha: From July 15: 3-7 p.m.