GAYATHRI GIREESH ON MYRIAD FORMS OF SIVA- 10 FEB
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GAYATHRI GIREESH ON MYRIAD FORMS OF SIVA- 10 FEB
Gayathri Girish has taken up a challenging and novel project on MYRIAD FORMS OF SIVA in Muthuswamy Dikshitar’s compositions. The project is supported by Ministry of Culture, Govt of India.The project was inaugurated on 10th Feb by Prof SR Janakiraman at Ragasudha Hall. I attended the programme and I give below a brief report about the programme.
This project is proposed to be presented in 12 episodes (one a month) and will include multi media presentation as well.
Prof SR Janakiraman, in his inaugural address referred to the various compositions of Dikshitar on Siva composed in prominent temples and highlighted the significance of those compositions and expected that these songs will find their place in the various episodes appropriately. His singing of many of the songs were most enjoyable. Smt Nandini Ramani, told that the Ministry of Arts and Culture do support such programmes which many people may not be aware. She exhorted our talented musicians to come forward to tap the support provided by Govt by formulating suitable projects which will also increase the knowledge level of the artists and open new vistas for their enjoyment and widen their reportire.
After this, Gayathri Girish introduced the theme and her approach in this presentation. She said she will include a few compositions of other composers and Tevaram hymns relevant to the theme wherever appropriate. She spoke about the greatness of Dikshitar kritis and then discussed the traditional ways of visualising the Forms of the Formless God- SIVA. 64 forms given in Sivaparakramam and 25 forms in Agama, Saiva Siddhanta (Maheswara Murthys) and Ashta Virattana Murthys in Tamilnadu were briefly discussed. She indicated that analysis of 132 kritis of Dikshitar reveals that the foundation of his works is Advaita Vedanta. She compared his compositions to Dhyana Slokas on deities. She said that Dikshitar as a Nadopasaka and Advaitin, through his compositions, has given the road map prescribed in our Sastras, to a devotee for worship and meditation leading to spiritual progress.
Quoting from Kaivalya Upanishad she said that everyone needs a personal God in human form initially (Saguna Eka Rupam) with whom he can converse freely - share his feelings, prayers and even admonitions. Subsequently one should transcend this and worship the entire creation as God’s manifestation (Saguna Aneka Rupam or Viswarupam). In the next level, when the devotee is mature enough, he should start meditation of the Formless God (Nirgunam) She said that, through this project, she intends analyzing about 70 kritis of Dikshitar classifying them according to the three levels indicated above.
Saguna Worship is further subdivided into Veera Murthy, Anugraha Murthy and Gnana Murthy.
She started the presentation with a Ganapati kriti “Hasti Vadanaya” in Navaroj, highlighting that the iconography in this Kriti matches the details given in the popular Mahaganapathy Dhyanasloka. While singing this song, the image of Vinayaka as detailed in the song was shown in the backdrop. This song itself is a rare song, and I was hearing this song first time in a concert. I was happy that Gayathri Gireesh has chosen this song, instead of any other popular song.
She then took up the first Murthy in Saguna Veera Murthy group – Kalasamhara Murthy and referred to the story of Markandeyan. Siva, in order to protect his devotee, has destroyed Yama and earned the name Kalasamharamurthy. There is one version that this incident has happened in Thirukkadayur and the Siva in this temple is called Amrithagadeswarar. The place has assumed much importance that Siva in this temple gives ayurvridhi as he has given to Markandeyan. Hence Shahtiabdapoorthy and Sathabhishekams are considered to be auspicious to be performed in this temple. Dikshithar has composed the song Sankaram Abhiramimanoharam in the ragam (Kamala) Manohari on the presiding diety of this temple. This song was presented well preceded by a Tirunavakkarasar Tevaram sung as viruttam in Keeravani. The Puranic references as well as temple rituals like Shankhabhishekam indicated in the kriti were highlighted.
She then took up Bhairavar in three variations - Kala Bhairavar,Vatuka Bhairavar and Swarna Kala Bhairavar. The background information on the three forms was discussed.
Compositions taken up for presentation were Kalabhairavam Bhajeham (Ragam Bhairavam –Kasi), Sri Vatukanatha (Ragam Devakriya) and Nottuswaram (Sankarabharanam). Nuances of each composition and how Dikshitar embedded in his kritis, Puranic details, iconography and information in Tantra sastras as well as Raga Mudras were highlighted.
Various views on the temple associated with Sri Vatukanatha were presented. The Vatukanathar, is seen as a small boy in one of the sannidhis in Thiruvayyar temple - in contrast to the ugra roopam of Kala bhairavar, A brief Alapana preceded the Devakriya kriti. She concluded with the beautiful composition in Kalyani by Swarna Venkatesa Dikshitar ‘Swarna Kala Bhairavam’.
Many vidwans like SRJ, Nandini Ramani, TRS etc attended and stayed till the end. The Hall was packed to the full. Additional chairs were brought in. Many rasikas were standing near the walls and sitting on the floor. I had never seen such a crowd for any programme in Ragasudha Hall. The programme concluded at 8.45 PM.
The powerpoint presentation throughout the program was very apt and informative. She was accompanied by V.Sanjeev on violin, Poongulam Subramaniam on Mridangam and P.V.Ramana on Flute. The next episode is scheduled at 6 pm on Tuesday, 5th March at Ragasudha Hall.
This project is proposed to be presented in 12 episodes (one a month) and will include multi media presentation as well.
Prof SR Janakiraman, in his inaugural address referred to the various compositions of Dikshitar on Siva composed in prominent temples and highlighted the significance of those compositions and expected that these songs will find their place in the various episodes appropriately. His singing of many of the songs were most enjoyable. Smt Nandini Ramani, told that the Ministry of Arts and Culture do support such programmes which many people may not be aware. She exhorted our talented musicians to come forward to tap the support provided by Govt by formulating suitable projects which will also increase the knowledge level of the artists and open new vistas for their enjoyment and widen their reportire.
After this, Gayathri Girish introduced the theme and her approach in this presentation. She said she will include a few compositions of other composers and Tevaram hymns relevant to the theme wherever appropriate. She spoke about the greatness of Dikshitar kritis and then discussed the traditional ways of visualising the Forms of the Formless God- SIVA. 64 forms given in Sivaparakramam and 25 forms in Agama, Saiva Siddhanta (Maheswara Murthys) and Ashta Virattana Murthys in Tamilnadu were briefly discussed. She indicated that analysis of 132 kritis of Dikshitar reveals that the foundation of his works is Advaita Vedanta. She compared his compositions to Dhyana Slokas on deities. She said that Dikshitar as a Nadopasaka and Advaitin, through his compositions, has given the road map prescribed in our Sastras, to a devotee for worship and meditation leading to spiritual progress.
Quoting from Kaivalya Upanishad she said that everyone needs a personal God in human form initially (Saguna Eka Rupam) with whom he can converse freely - share his feelings, prayers and even admonitions. Subsequently one should transcend this and worship the entire creation as God’s manifestation (Saguna Aneka Rupam or Viswarupam). In the next level, when the devotee is mature enough, he should start meditation of the Formless God (Nirgunam) She said that, through this project, she intends analyzing about 70 kritis of Dikshitar classifying them according to the three levels indicated above.
Saguna Worship is further subdivided into Veera Murthy, Anugraha Murthy and Gnana Murthy.
She started the presentation with a Ganapati kriti “Hasti Vadanaya” in Navaroj, highlighting that the iconography in this Kriti matches the details given in the popular Mahaganapathy Dhyanasloka. While singing this song, the image of Vinayaka as detailed in the song was shown in the backdrop. This song itself is a rare song, and I was hearing this song first time in a concert. I was happy that Gayathri Gireesh has chosen this song, instead of any other popular song.
She then took up the first Murthy in Saguna Veera Murthy group – Kalasamhara Murthy and referred to the story of Markandeyan. Siva, in order to protect his devotee, has destroyed Yama and earned the name Kalasamharamurthy. There is one version that this incident has happened in Thirukkadayur and the Siva in this temple is called Amrithagadeswarar. The place has assumed much importance that Siva in this temple gives ayurvridhi as he has given to Markandeyan. Hence Shahtiabdapoorthy and Sathabhishekams are considered to be auspicious to be performed in this temple. Dikshithar has composed the song Sankaram Abhiramimanoharam in the ragam (Kamala) Manohari on the presiding diety of this temple. This song was presented well preceded by a Tirunavakkarasar Tevaram sung as viruttam in Keeravani. The Puranic references as well as temple rituals like Shankhabhishekam indicated in the kriti were highlighted.
She then took up Bhairavar in three variations - Kala Bhairavar,Vatuka Bhairavar and Swarna Kala Bhairavar. The background information on the three forms was discussed.
Compositions taken up for presentation were Kalabhairavam Bhajeham (Ragam Bhairavam –Kasi), Sri Vatukanatha (Ragam Devakriya) and Nottuswaram (Sankarabharanam). Nuances of each composition and how Dikshitar embedded in his kritis, Puranic details, iconography and information in Tantra sastras as well as Raga Mudras were highlighted.
Various views on the temple associated with Sri Vatukanatha were presented. The Vatukanathar, is seen as a small boy in one of the sannidhis in Thiruvayyar temple - in contrast to the ugra roopam of Kala bhairavar, A brief Alapana preceded the Devakriya kriti. She concluded with the beautiful composition in Kalyani by Swarna Venkatesa Dikshitar ‘Swarna Kala Bhairavam’.
Many vidwans like SRJ, Nandini Ramani, TRS etc attended and stayed till the end. The Hall was packed to the full. Additional chairs were brought in. Many rasikas were standing near the walls and sitting on the floor. I had never seen such a crowd for any programme in Ragasudha Hall. The programme concluded at 8.45 PM.
The powerpoint presentation throughout the program was very apt and informative. She was accompanied by V.Sanjeev on violin, Poongulam Subramaniam on Mridangam and P.V.Ramana on Flute. The next episode is scheduled at 6 pm on Tuesday, 5th March at Ragasudha Hall.
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Re: GAYATHRI GIREESH ON MYRIAD FORMS OF SIVA- 10 FEB
Wish I were there! Thanks CRama for giving a detailed account of the event.
Gayathri Girish is a suitable artiste to present such a program which asks for ample study, enthusiasm and presentational skills.
Good to know that the government encourages and supports such programs. The word thematic is used freely for any odd concert nowadays, but here are concerts which offer us something more. From your report it looks as though they're going to bring sound background material too, which makes a concert even more meaningful.
Gayathri Girish is a suitable artiste to present such a program which asks for ample study, enthusiasm and presentational skills.
Good to know that the government encourages and supports such programs. The word thematic is used freely for any odd concert nowadays, but here are concerts which offer us something more. From your report it looks as though they're going to bring sound background material too, which makes a concert even more meaningful.
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Re: GAYATHRI GIREESH ON MYRIAD FORMS OF SIVA- 10 FEB
Thanks for the detailed review. Very informative presentation. Wish I was there. Here is a link with snaps.
http://www.sabhash.com/music/events/420 ... irish.html
http://www.sabhash.com/music/events/420 ... irish.html
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Re: GAYATHRI GIREESH ON MYRIAD FORMS OF SIVA- 10 FEB
Excellent report! Thanks, CRama!
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Re: GAYATHRI GIREESH ON MYRIAD FORMS OF SIVA- 10 FEB
A very nice initiative by the people concerned and a very nice report. Wish I were there.
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Re: GAYATHRI GIREESH ON MYRIAD FORMS OF SIVA- 10 FEB
Very nice report. Hope to attend the next one
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Re: GAYATHRI GIREESH ON MYRIAD FORMS OF SIVA- 10 FEB
Thanks for a detailed report. Smt Gayatri Girish is a very talented artist and happy that she did a very good job on the topic chosen.
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Re: GAYATHRI GIREESH ON MYRIAD FORMS OF SIVA- 10 FEB
* Good initiative on the part of Gayathri Gireesh.
*Deservingly supported by govt.
* Rama ! your description of the event reveals fortunate s are those who attended.& one should never miss the future episodes.
*Request the future events to be intimated in advance in "Musics &Festivals thread'
* How the space issue is going to be addressed?
*Deservingly supported by govt.
* Rama ! your description of the event reveals fortunate s are those who attended.& one should never miss the future episodes.
*Request the future events to be intimated in advance in "Musics &Festivals thread'
* How the space issue is going to be addressed?
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- Joined: 02 Feb 2010, 22:26
Re: GAYATHRI GIREESH ON MYRIAD FORMS OF SIVA- 10 FEB
CRama - thnak you for that meticulous report - those of us who could not be there were able to enjoy it vicariously. Such presentations require a broad-based scholarship and initiative - very gald to know that Smt. GG's efforts in this direction are being recognized. Another aspect that makes her a good choice for these presentations is the fact that she is one of the few musicians of today who can pronounce sanskRt words clearly and appropriately.
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Re: GAYATHRI GIREESH ON MYRIAD FORMS OF SIVA- 10 FEB
Ravi,
I agree!
I agree!
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Re: GAYATHRI GIREESH ON MYRIAD FORMS OF SIVA- 10 FEB
Thank you, CRama.
As usual, a very diligent and thorough report from you!
As usual, a very diligent and thorough report from you!
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Re: GAYATHRI GIREESH ON MYRIAD FORMS OF SIVA- 10 FEB
Looks a great theme. Thanks for such a thorough report.
Question. How will it be broadcast or published?
Question. How will it be broadcast or published?
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Re: GAYATHRI GIREESH ON MYRIAD FORMS OF SIVA- 10 FEB
Thanks CRama for the excellent report.
It's such kind of programmes that would improve the level of appreciation of rasikas.
I would suggest the organisers could arrange to distribute leaflets containing the list of songs with brief particulars to the audience. Best wishes to Smt.Gayatri!
It's such kind of programmes that would improve the level of appreciation of rasikas.
I would suggest the organisers could arrange to distribute leaflets containing the list of songs with brief particulars to the audience. Best wishes to Smt.Gayatri!