A unique thematic dance performance depicts the life of poet-saint Sundara Nayanar

From the Sankara Natyalay ‘Aadhi Saivam Aarooran’ held at RR Sabha in Chennai | Photo courtesy: B Velankanni Raj

Curated costumes, engaging story, appropriate character selection, well-chosen props and dynamic dance moves – ‘Aadhi Saivam Arun’ had it all. As part of the 11th anniversary celebrations of Sankara Natyalay, this thematic production based on the life of Sundaramoorthy Nayanar was presented by the students. It was conceptualised and choreographed by Kanaka Krishna Prashanth. The songs were taken from Periya Puranam and Sundarar Thevaram. Extra credit for the evening goes to GV Guru Bharadwaj for his jathis and his support on the mridangam, TV Sukanya (violin) and Soumya Ramesh (veena). The resource persons were R. Subramaniam and Uma Subramaniam.

The thematic presentation highlighted that the Tiruvarur temple is known not only for Shiva and Parvati (Nilotpalambika) but also for Shiva’s dear friend Sundara Nayanar. Once, when Sundara was plucking flowers in the garden, he met two women, Anandithai and Kamalini, and was instantly attracted to them. Shiva realises this, so he gives Sundara an opportunity to be born on earth and fulfill his wish. In response, Sundara says, “How can I leave you? You should have protected me at the right time.”

This performance had interesting group formations | Photo credit: B. Velankanni Raj

The presentation was carefully divided, and before each episode, a little girl was shown on a stage. Pavadai Chattai And their grandmother (played by the students), dressed in a nine-yard sari, narrated the story through her conversation. The segments also included fast-paced moves with complex formations, all performed in unison.

Sundarar, born in Tirunavalur to Sadaiya Nayanar and Isagannaiyar, was known for his exceptional beauty and was adopted by King Narasimha Munaiyaraiyar. When Sundarar grew up, the king arranged his marriage, but not to Anandithai or Kamalini. So, on the wedding day, Lord Shiva appeared in the form of an old man, holding a palm leaf that said Sundarar was bound to serve him. Interpreting this as a divine command, Sundarar cancelled the marriage and dedicated himself to the service of Lord Shiva in the Tiruvarur temple, writing his first poem beginning with the words ‘Pitta Pirai Choodi’.

The costumes, props and choreography were impressive | Photo credit: B. Velankanni Raj

Props and costumes were the main features in the thematic presentation. An innovative touch was when the dancer playing the role of an old man entered through the main entrance of the RR Sabha auditorium.

Subsequent segments of the thematic presentation depict Sundarar’s travels across Tamil Nadu, visiting Shiva temples. In Tiruvarur, he falls in love with the temple dancer Paravaiyar (Kamalini in past life) and marries her. Years later, while visiting the Shiva temple in Thiruvottriyur, a coastal suburb of Madras, Sundarar is enchanted by a peasant girl Kanakali (Anandithai in past life). With Shiva’s help, he marries Kanakali, and vows never to leave her or Tiruvottriyur. However, in his longing for Paravaiyar, Sundarar breaks his vow and returns to Tiruvarur. As a result, he becomes blind. His subsequent hardships are depicted in many Tevaram hymns. Through his devotion, he eventually regains sight.

In the scenes with demons, the young women were impressive. In the scenes that involved only gestures, the dancers expressed the emotions well.

The thematic presentation ended with the last chapter of the story, in which Upamanyu, son of Vyaghrapada, accompanies Sundarar on his journey to Kailash, and joins Thillan in the dance. According to the Periya Puranam, Upamanyu narrates the story of Sundarar.