Krti Madhan

Arthanareeswaram Keerthanam in Bharatanatyam refers to a devotional song or keerthanam dedicated to Arthanareeswarar, a form of Lord Shiva who is depicted as half male (Shiva) and half female (Parvati). This representation symbolizes the inseparable and harmonious nature of the divine masculine and feminine energies. The story behind Arthanareeswarar reflects the concept of the unity of opposites and the balance of energies in the universe.

 

Arthanareeswarar form is expressed through choreography that highlights contrasts—strong, angular movements representing Lord Shiva and soft, flowing movements representing Goddess Parvati.

Krti will embody both aspects (Shiva and Parvati) in a visually symbolic way, using poses or gestures that reflect the half-male, half-female form.

 

Krti will follow a traditional Bharatanatyam abhinayam, where she will use facial expressions to convey the meanings of the lyrics, which may include descriptions of the deity's attributes, significance, or qualities.

 

Krti, with specific hand gestures (mudras) would express the sacred verses in the Keerthana and also use a specific set of mudras to represent Arthanareeswarar, such as the symbolic gestures for the deities Shiva and Parvati.

 

The Arthanareeswaram Keerthanam is not just a song, but a deep reflection of the philosophical unity between masculine and feminine energies, often interpreted in dance as the balance between strength and grace, fire and water, or destruction and creation. Performing this piece in Bharatanatyam gives the dancer an opportunity to explore the divine duality, showcasing their skills in both technique and emotional expression.

 

Through this devotional piece, the dancer connects with the audience on a spiritual level, conveying the sacredness and beauty of the Arthanareeswarar form and the universal truths it embodies.