Margam
13th February, 2016
Sandhya Raju, Kuchipudi
Sri Seetha Ramachandra Swamy Temple, Ammapalle, Shamshabad
On 13 February 2016, a well-known Kuchipudi artist, Sandhya Raju performed Margam, a Kuchipudi dance at the Ammapalle temple. She opened her Kuchipudi recital with ‘Pranavakaram’ in Aarabhi, an Oothukadu Subbaiyer’s composition displaying a fine grip over nritta that is laced with elegance. Two of Annamacharya’s compositions followed, numbers usually found in a dancer’s repertoire. In ‘Muddugaare Yashoda’, her elaboration of “Rathi keli Rukminiki” – the delineation of Rukmini Kalyanam, was impressive.
‘Thandana’ brought out the concept of universal equality, winning instant appreciation as the audience related to the rustic tune and joined in the rhythmic clapping. It was in the concluding piece ‘Shringara Veera’ that Sandhya excelled with her fine abhinaya to the lofty theme of the divine love of Parvathi and Shiva.
Artists
Sandhya Raju
Venue
The Rama temple was built by Vengi king Kalyana Chalukyulu in the 13th century but the idol was 1000 years old. There is a large image of Lord Vishnu in a sleeping posture above the gateway of the tower. The tower is followed by the main temple with a large corridor around the temple. The idols of Rama, Sita and Laxmana are “ekasila raja vigrama”, built on a single stone with Makara Thoranam. The dashavatarams are also found on the Makara Thoranama which is very unique to this temple. Anjaneya, usually accompanying Lord Rama, is not seen in the garbhagriha. Instead, Anjaneya Swamy idol is placed near the Dwaja Sthambam facing Sri Rama .There is a large ancient temple pond which is surrounded by porticos that once provided shelter to the pilgrims.
