By Sankara Natyalaya “Aadhi Saivam Arooran” delivered at RR Sabha, Chennai | Photo Credit: B. VELANKANNI RAJ

Exquisite costumes, captivating storytelling, apt character selection, well-chosen props and dynamic dance steps – ‘Aadhi Saivam Arooran’ had it all. As part of the 11th anniversary celebrations of Sankara Natyalaya, this thematic production based on the life of Sundaramurthy Nayanar was performed by the students. It was conceived and choreographed by Kanaka Krishna Prashant. The songs were from the Periya Puranam and Sundarar Thevaram. Additional credit for the evening goes to GV Guru Bharadwaaj for his jathis and support on the mridangam, TV Sukanya (violin) and Sowmya Ramesh (veena). The speakers were R. Subramaniam and Uma Subramaniam.

The thematic presentation highlighted that Tiruvarur Temple is not only known for Shiva and Parvati (Neelotpalambika) but also for Shiva’s dear friend Sundara Nayanar. Once, while picking flowers in the garden, Sundara met two women, Anandithai and Kamalini, and was instantly attracted to them. Shiva, aware of this, grants Sundara the opportunity to be born on earth and fulfill his wish. In response, Sundara says, “How can I leave you? You must protect me at the right time.”

The performance had interesting group formations | Photo credit: B. VELANKANNI RAJ

The presentation was carefully segmented, and before each episode a little girl appeared in a Pavadai Chattai and her grandmother, wearing a nine-meter-long sari (played by the students), narrated the story in conversation. The segments also included fast movements with complicated formations, all performed in sync.

Sundarar, born to Sadaiya Nayanar and Isaignaniyar in Thirunavalur, was known for his exceptional beauty and was adopted by King Narasinga Munaiaraiyar. When Sundarar grew up, the king arranged his marriage, but not to Anandithai or Kamalini. Hence, on the wedding day, Lord Shiva appeared disguised as an old man, holding a palm leaf in his hand, which stated that Sundarar was bound to serve him. Sundarar interpreted this as a divine command, called off the marriage and devoted himself to the service of Lord Shiva in the Tiruvarur temple. He began his first poem with the words “Pittaa pirai chudi”.

The costumes, props and choreography were impressive | Photo credit: B. VELANKANNI RAJ

Props and costumes were central elements of the thematic presentation. An innovative touch was added when the dancer portraying the old man entered through the main entrance of the RR Sabha auditorium.

The subsequent sections of the thematic presentation depicted Sundarar’s journey through Tamil Nadu visiting Shiva temples. In Tiruvarur, he falls in love with the temple dancer Paravayar (Kamalini in his past life) and marries her. Years later, while visiting the Shiva temple in Thiruvottriyur, a coastal suburb of Madras, Sundarar falls in love with a farmer girl named Cankali (Anandithai in his past life). With Shiva’s help, he marries Cankali and vows never to leave her or Thiruvottiyur. However, yearning for Paravayar, Sundarar breaks his vow and returns to Tiruvarur. As a result, he goes blind. His subsequent hardships are reflected in several Tevaram hymns. Through his devotion, he finally regains his sight.

In a scene with demons, the young girls were impressive. In scenes where only facial expressions were important, the dancers conveyed the emotions well.

The thematic presentation concluded with the last chapter of the story in which Upamanyu, the child of Vyaghrapada, follows Sundarar on his journey to Kailasha and involves Thillana in the dance steps. According to Periya Puranam, Upamanyu narrates Sundarar’s story.