Slokanjali - Divine Offering
We Indians, believe deeply in the power of nature and God. When beginning on any new journey or project, we begin with prayers to seek divine blessings. We pray to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, to clear the path ahead. We invoke Goddess Saraswati to bless us with flawless learning and artistic expression. Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped for her blessings in overcoming financial challenges, and finally, Lord Shiva, the embodiment of the cosmos, is honoured as the source of all energy and creation.
With these invocations, it is my pleasure to present a beautiful performance by Dr. Srijayanthi, showcasing a divine blend of classical slokas in Kuchipudi dance form.
Mooshika Vahana – A Prayer to Lord Ganesha
Slokam:
Chamara karna vilambita sootra
Vamana roopa Maheswara putra
Vighna vinayaka paada namaste
Meaning: This slokam is a humble prayer to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. He rides a mouse (Mooshika), holds the sweet Modaka in his hand, and is the beloved son of Lord Shiva (Maheswara). His broad ears symbolize his ability to hear all prayers, and the sacred thread he wears signifies his wisdom and purity. By bowing to his feet, we seek his divine guidance and blessings.
Saraswati Namastubhyam – A Prayer to Goddess Saraswati
Slokam:
Vidyarambham karishyami, siddhirbhavatu me sada
Meaning:
This beautiful verse is a prayer to Goddess Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge and the arts. We bow to her, asking for her grace and blessings as we begin our intellectual and artistic pursuits. Her divine presence ensures success in learning, guiding us towards wisdom and mastery of our chosen art form.
Namastestu Mahamaye – A Prayer to Goddess Lakshmi
Slokam:
Shree Pithe Sura Poojite
Shanka Chakra Gadha Haste
Maha Lakshmi Namoostute
Meaning:
This slokam is a prayer to Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. She is the embodiment of divine grace and abundance, seated on the lotus (Shree Pithe), worshipped by the gods (Sura Poojite). Holding the conch (Shanka), discus (Chakra), and mace (Gadha), she represents power and protection. We offer our salutations to her, seeking her blessings to remove financial difficulties and bring prosperity into our lives.
Aangikam Bhuvanam – A Prayer to Lord Shiva
Slokam:
Vachikam Sarva vaangmayam
Ahaaryam Chandra taaradi
Tam Vande Sattwikam Shivam
Meaning:
This verse is a tribute to Lord Shiva, whose body is the entire universe (Aangikam Bhuvanam), and whose speech encompasses all the scriptures and knowledge (Vachikam Sarva vaangmayam). His ornaments are the moon and stars (Ahaaryam Chandra taaradi), symbolizing his cosmic presence. We bow to the peaceful and serene form of Lord Shiva, recognizing him as the source of all creation and energy.
This performance is a dedication to the inception of Sri Nrityalayam Kuchipudi Dance Studio, a new beacon of classical dance. The mission is to pass down the rich tradition of Kuchipudi to future generations, blending devotion with artistic discipline. Through the guidance of skilled instructors and the dedication of its students, Sri Nrityalayam aims to be a nurturing ground for budding dancers, fostering excellence in every movement, expression, and performance.
As Sri Nrityalayam initiates on its journey, I extend my heartfelt wishes for its success. May it continue to inspire young dancers and keep the timeless art of Kuchipudi alive, with grace and dedication at its core
Special Thanks to Pahadi Manzil Home Stay - Manali
A special thanks to Pahadi Manzil Home Stay – Manali for providing a serene and welcoming space for this performance. Your gracious hospitality added a unique charm to this beautiful event, making it all the more memorable.
