Bharatham Mahaabhaaratam Bheeshmaachaarya Naatyaachaarya V.P. Dhananjayan

The characters of the Mahaabhaaratam have a timeless appeal. The 13th edition of Narada Gana Sabha Trust's Natyarangam festival annual Chennai event re-creates important episodes from Vyasa's epic Naatyaachaarya Sri V.P. Dhananjayan presents Bheeshmaachaarya, on the Mahaabhaaratas grandfather figure. Major incidents from Bheeshmas life are narrated through flashbacks by his grief-stricken mother, Ganga. She describes her sons death at the hands of the effeminate Sikhandi during the Kurukshetra War, then segues into his birth, upbringing, and unthinkable vow that earns him the name Bheeshma from the gods. Dhananjayan uses subtle and neat satvika abhinaya in this cohesive presentation. Episode One : After the opening Nritta-samaaraadhana in the raga Gangalahari, mother Ganga emerges from the waters with tears in her eyes to receive the oblations from the remaining Pandavas who are submerging her formidable son's ashes and are performing the last rites. She wonders with pride and pain, an invincible warrior extraordinaire felled by an effeminate Shikhandi, a wrath unreasonably cast on him Episode Two : On the birth of Devavrata: Breaking the promise given to Ganga, King Santanu stops her from throwing their eighth child into the water. But as promised to the king at this time, Ganga brings back the boy after equipping him with all scriptural studies and the art of warfare from the indomitable Parasurama. Episode Three : Knowing the cause of his father's depression, Devavrata approaches the leader of the fisherfolk (Daasa) and requests him to give his daughter Satyavati in marriage to Santanu. Acceding to the demand of Daasa, Devavrata makes a stunning vow (pratigna) proclaiming his determination to remain celibate all his life, for fulfilling the desire of his father. The celestials proclaim him as Bhishma. Episode Four : Satyavati is brought by Bhishma to Hastinapura to be wedded to Santanu who blesses him with a boon that he would embrace death at his own will. Ganga's lamentation : Sri Krishna consoles Ganga that the death of great men are celebrated, for in truth, they are of immortal fame. She then feels comforted as her son has returned to her to Ganga (the water element). NATYARANGAM, dance wing of the Narada Gana Sabha, was launched in September 1995 with a twofold purpose: (1) to provide a platform for talented young dancers of proven merit, and (2) to create awareness in the audience about various aspects of dance appreciation. It organises dance recitals and lecdems on every third Saturday and Sunday every month. Natyarangam honours eminent gurus, and presents endowment awards to famous dancers, accompanying musicians and young dancers.