Sri Mudhraalaya, the dance school run by Lakshmi Ramaswamy, will premiere its new dance drama titled 'Sapta Vidangam' on November 13, 6.30 p.m., at The Mylapore Fine Arts Club auditorium, Mylapore. The show gets production support from The Tamilnadu Eyal Isai Nataka Mandram.
The presentation revolves round the theme of Lord Siva as Vidangar in seven places which are called by that name. Legends say that He performs seven types of dances at these places. This production is aimed at two important documentations: Bringing the seven dances as visual and using Thevarams which pertain to each of those places.
This production is about the Sapta Vidanga Ksetram-s of Lord Shiva in Tamilnadu. The Lord is worshipped as Vidangar and is supposed to have performed seven types of dances in these places.
Vidangar means ‘one who is not sculpted or created’. It is understood as the ‘murtam’ (Icon) is not created but formed by itself. Seven places (of Siva temples) are known as Sapta vitangams. They are believed to be brought to the earth by Chola king Mucukunta.
The legend goes thus: Indra had to face a big war against Asuras. He needed help and Narada suggested calling for King Mucukunta. The King came and duly helped Indra in the war in which Indra emerged victorious. A happy Indra offered King Mucukunta any gift that he desired. The King had known about a special idol which was with Indra gifted by Vishnu earlier. So, he requested Indra to grant that idol.
Indra did not expect this. The idol was very dear to him and so he told Mucukunta that he will give the idol the next day after doing due pujas. Overnight he created 6 other idols similar to the one he had with him. The next day he told Mucukunta to pick the idol he wanted. Vinayaka indirectly helped the king to choose the right one. Indra could not refuse any further. So he gave all the seven to the king. King Mucukunta brought all the 7 idols happily and installed them in 7 places. They are at Tiruvarur (snake), Tirunagai (wave), Tirunallaru (cranky), Tirumaraikatu (swan), Tirukkarayil (cock), Tiruvaimur (lotus) and Tirukkolili (bee).
Research and Song selection is by Dr.S. Raghuraman (assisted by Dr. Jeyachandran), while music score is by Dr Vanati Raghuraman.
For more information, call 90929 04924 or 99402 85587.
