NATYANJALI

Natyanjali, the tradition of concentrated expression of devotion to the Lord of Natya, through dance on the occasion of ‘Maha Sivaratri’ particularly inside the temple complex, was revived in Chidambaram in the early 1980s. It has gradually spread to many centers where ancient and important Siva temples are located, many with a ‘swayambhu lingam’ as the main deity. It seems each year, some new centre is joining the endeavour of organizing a festival. Kumbakonam, Tanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapatinam, Mayiladuthurai, Tiruvaiyaru, Pandanainallur Natyanjali-the list goes on. . This multiplier effect has had a multi-dimensional impact: revival of the traditional linkage of the art form with the temple, renewal of cultural activity in smaller towns and villages.

Date and Place of Natyanjali

Kumakonam Natyanjali -2013

10 , 11 , 12 March 2013 at Adi Kumbeswarar Temple Kumbakonam

Thiruvarur Natyanjali - 2013

6,7,8,9,10 March 2013 at Thyagaraja Temple Thiruvarur

Chidambaram Natyanjali - 2013

10,11,12,13,14 Marh 2013 at Natarajar Temple

Thiruvidaimaruthur & Pandanallur

10 March 2013 at Mahalingam Swamy Temple

Pasumatheswarar Temple

Thanjavur Natyanjali - 2013

10,11,12,13,14,15,16 at Thanjavur Big Temple

Thiruvarur Natyanjali Festival @ Thiruvarur Thyagaraja Temple

Festival Date : 6 7 8 9 10 - 3 -2013

The Story of River Ganga - Dance Drama  in Thanjavur Natyanjali 

Ganga is one of the holy rivers of India. Accourding to Hindu religion, a famous king, Bhagirathan, did tapas (meditation)  for many years constantly to bring the river Ganga from heavn to earth. He started meditating for several years and finally Ganga got pleased and descended to the earth. To prevent the earth from flooding of Ganga , Lord Shiva received Ganga on his hairs. King Bhagirathan then worshipped Lord Shiva and Shiva blessed him and released Ganga from his head. Ganga descended to the earth through the dreadlocks (Jata Head) of Lord Shiva and Shiva told her to follow Bhagiratha. Wherever Ganga would flow in following Bhagiratha, people came in large numbers to bath and obtain purification.

Pandanallur Style Of Bharatanatyam
(Pinnalkolattam)

It is a traditional style of Pandanallur Bharatanatyam. It was recomposed by Pannanallur Subramaniam who is the student of Kittappa Pillai. This is the song which was composed on Pandanallur main deity of the Temple Pasupatheeswar. In this style of dance students are performing   such a logical steps along with the song. After a long time (app, 70 years) ,  the Natyanjali Function was celebrated at Pandanallur Temple in  Sivarathri Festival. At that time this  Bharathanatyam  was performed by the student of Pandanalur Subramaniam.

Meenakshisundaram Pillai is the scholar and genious in Pandanallur Style of Bharathanatyam.
He lived at Pandanallur, the village near Kumbakonam and create a traditional concept in Bharathanatyam.