Angayarkanni Varnam - Medai Dance Festival

Nakshatra Sudheesh, student of Guru Smt. Indumathi Vinod Venkatesh, Drishti Natyalaya, Bengaluru will be performing for Angayarkanni Varnam.

Angayarkanni is a Navarasa pada varnam. This varnam is composed by Lalgudi Jayaraman in praise of Goddess Meenakshi where all the nine emotions of the Devi are depicted. This is set to Ragam Ragamalika and Talam Adi.

Devi Meenakshi goes to war after taking over as the queen of Madurai. “Angayarkanni Aanandam Kondale” – it starts with the devi expressing happiness – Anandam and adorns herself with the vaagai flowers. This is set to Ragam Bilahari.

As the Goddess continues her victorious march, she glances at the Lord of Mount Kailas – Lord Shiva and immediately falls in love. She stands coyly with a tender smile on her lips. The “Shringara” bhavam is depicted here and is set to the ragam Huseni.

The Goddess now witnesses the might of Lord Shiva with wonder when he burnt Kama Deva to Ashes and kicked Lord Yama with his foot. The bhavaa “Adbhutham” is depicted here in the raagam Valaji.

Lord Shiva narrates his unique antics with his devotees thus making the Devi laugh out loud. The “Hasya” bhavam is depicted here and is set to ragam “Saranga”.

Goddess Dakshyani once visited her father Daksha to take part in an yagna, however was filled with disgust when Daksha insulted Lord Shiva. This "Bebatysa" bhavam is shown here and is set to Ragam "Sucharitra".

She is the Goddess who never differentiates between her devotees and shows boundless compassion to all. The Goddess who is so benevolent shows the most enraged form of her self when she witnesses evil deeds. The Bhavam "Roudram" is depicted here and is set to Ragam "Athana".

Though brave and ferocious, the Devi experiences immense fear when Lord Shiva consumes poison from the churning of the ocean and also when Ravan tries to lift the Kailasa mountain. This bhavam of "Bhayanakam" is depicted here and set to ragam "Rasikapriya".

The Devi is the most loving and with one glance can remove all the sufferings of the world. She showers her motherly love to anyone who calls out to her. The "Karunya" bhavam is depicted here and is set to ragam "Sahana".

Oh mother, you are the very form of grace, with a face that is as radiant as the full moon, eyes that brim with benevolence and a smile always playing on your lips.! Oh embodiment of peace and serenity, oh Goddess Meenakshi, please bless us all. The “Shantam” bhavam is depicted here and is set to ragam “Nadanamakriya”.