shiva Anandam
The blooming lotus internalizes the sun's energy resonating vibrants and radiance, the glooming lily radiates into still night, the aura of the moon that breathes fragrance and enhances life. The intertwining of both these energies coil together in the Sushumna Nadi, which gives rise to the sweetest of the fruits, the “Shiva pazham”, the highest form of realizing the supreme God lies alone in understanding our own magical breath.
Thus, the composition of the entire universe right inside our bodies on the pancha maha booths very much within us and Shiva-aandam deep inside us as we fathom deeper.
Shivam, right in us Shivam as our own Shivam as I am.
Mugattai Kattiye
In Thiruvarur temple, only the face of lord Thyagaraya is displayed while the rest of the body, including the feet, is covered with beautiful adornments . The devotee relishes the special decoration of the idol, yet she teases the Lord for not showing his full body, but with an implied devotion and admiration of him.
Thyagesha, you show only your face to me, but not your whole body.
What secret does it hold that I should not know?
You who live in this great town of Thiruvarur and have a splendorous body, is there any blemish on it which you hide from me?
When I come to your sannidhi at dusk, you are completely smeared with sandhu, and you distract me by showing your charming ear stud decorated with marigold flowers. With your charming smile, you also try to hide your hand that carries the deer and the axe.
Varugalamo Ayya
The devotee seeks the lord's permission in all earnestness and humility to come to his divine presence.
May I, O Lord, come to you and adore and worship you.
Aren't you the ocean of mercy?
The lonely one that I am?
Shall I sing in praise of you?
Can I come over to witness your blissful dance?
I have failed to perform merit earning deeds. Here I come to your divine presence, rising up from the ocean of samsara, I shall swim across to its shores , surrendering unto you the best ore of bones who lives in Thillai for calling the feverish yearning to see you and erase out my sins.
Photographer Notes
“Ode to Harmony,” a beautiful evening of Bharatanatyam presented by House of Kala in Seattle, featured captivating duet and solo performances by Renjith and Vijna, visiting artists from Chennai. Their expressive storytelling and refined technique were perfectly complemented by the lighting design, which shaped an intimate and focused stage environment—ideal for the subtle nuances and emotive depth of Bharatanatyam. Warm spotlights, soft transitions, and precise isolation brought clarity to every gesture and expression. The event was photographed primarily using a 70-200mm and an 85mm lens, with coverage from just two vantage points—demonstrating how thoughtful lighting and composition can beautifully capture the essence of a live performance.
