Sri Rama Naamam - Entha Ruchira
21st January, 2017
Ananda Shankar, Ballet Bharatnatyam
Sri Seetha Ramachandra Swamy Temple, Ammapalle, Shamshabad
There can be no better place than the 800 year old Ramachandra Swamy Temple in Ammapalle, Shamshabad, providing a surreal setting for the staging of the Bharatanatyam ballet presented by Dr. Ananda Shankar Jayant and her troupe. Titled, “Sri Rama Namam – Entha Ruchira”, the performance which retold the story of Bhakta Ramadasu left the 2000 odd crowd who thronged the venue, enthralled. The temple echoed to the rhythms of melodiously lyrical Ramadasu Keertanas that filled the air with deep devotion as Ananda Shankar Jayant brought the music and bhakti of Sant Ramadasu back to life with her masterful production. Her poise and grace were a treat to the eyes as she effortlessly switched between roles from the sprightly golden deer Mareecha to the valiant Laxmana, the hapless Sita to ever benevolent Lord Rama — all in a heartbeat. It was her depiction of Bhakta Ramadasu that stood out though – from his utter devotion towards Lord Ram to the pathos he evokes when he’s in incarceration — Ananda, with her evocative abhinaya transported her audience to the 16th century Golconda where the Saint was held captive.
Artists
Ananda Shankar
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.
