Villu Pattu or Villadichampattu is an ancient form of musical story-telling in India where narration is interspersed with music. Simple tunes and verses (Themmangu) make the story to be followed easily.
The singer narrated how an Angalamman statue brought from Kasi got installed in Maranendal where still pujas are performed on Masi Ammavasai. This programme was presented by Pothigai Mellisai Kuzhu, led by T. Kannan, on the ninth day of the annual music festival of Tamil Isai Sangam in Madurai on Wednesday.
He was assisted by Murugan (co-singer), Thirumurugan on kudam, Karuppasamy on udukkai and Petchimuthu on kattai thalam. The singer revealed how Kasi was ruled by 168 kings and all had built ghats to enable pilgrims to take bath in the Ganga.
In the second half, a unique Tamil instrumental music was presented by S. Anjani and S. Aswini. Anjani played veena while Aswini played mrudangam. They were supported by S. Krishnasamy on ghatam. Rasikas were surprised to see mrudangam being played by a woman artiste.
Anjani started off with ‘Sabapathikku veru deivam,’ a Gopalakrishna Bharathi’s kriti in Abhogi, in praise of Lord Nataraja. She then played a fitting tribute to Madurai through Ambujam Krishna’s kriti ‘Om Namo Narayana’ in Karnaranjani . While playing ‘Ramanukku mannan mudi’ by Arunachala Kavi in H indolam , the vainika was able to evoke the desperation of King Dasaratha. The korvais and gorgeous sancharas in alapanas enhanced the mood of the raga. ‘Arabhimanam’ of Tarangampadi Panchanata Iyer, a compilation of 12 ragas, was appreciated by the audience. They concluded the concert with ‘Eppo varu.’ The concert indeed left a lasting impression on listeners.
