‘Shri Ranga’, the reclining Lord: A dance of devotion to Lord Vishnu

The Sri Shirdi Sai Trust of Sri Lanka, along with the trustees of Sri Varatharaja Vinayagar temple, Sai Nathanin Saranalayam, Kotahena, Colombo, have jointly organised a devotional classical Bharatha Natyam dance performance by Sri Pavithra Krishna Bhat, a popular classical dancer from India, on Saturday 16 March, at 6:30 pm at the Bishop’s College Auditorium, Colombo. The event has been arranged to create an awareness on the magnificent Shirdi Sai consciousness that is happening globally, and to seek support for the upcoming Shirdi Sai meditation and community centre at Elston Estate, Puwakpitiya, Avissawella. 

Sri Lanka and Sri Ranga are quite connected. The reclining statue of Maha Vishnu situated near Trichy. South India, they say, was on its way to Sri Lanka, and Vibeeshana could not bring Maha Vishnu after a short break. Pavithra Krishna`s exclusive Bharatha Natyam performance will tell this story, and exhilarate you with this divine story from Ramayana.

Dancer Pavithra Krishna portrays a devotee under an urge to seek a glimpse of Shri Ranga, and hence starts his journey from River Kaveri, and presenting the glory of Garuda (Bird Eagle) which is the vehicle mount of Lord Vishnu. “Garuda guides me to reach unto you, here I witness this grandeur form of you, oh the Limitless Lord Ranganatha, with my limited physical eyes. A grandeur, which cannot be compared, which cannot be explained, I am spellbound and speechless.”

This production concludes the elements of devotion (bhakti) and gives the complete experience of worshipping in a temple. Kshetram (temple), Thirtham (river), Mandiram (chanting of Veda), Pravesham (entry), Darshanam (vision), Anubhavam (experience) and Utsavam (celebration) are explored through ‘Sri Ranga Pura Vihara’, one of the most popular compositions of poet Shri Muthuswamy Dikshitar.

Shri Pavithra Krishna Bhat, from Mumbai, trained under renowned Bharatha Natyam exponent Guru Shri Deepak Mazumdar and an A grade artist of Doordarshan, also choreographed and performed in many thematic presentations in India, Dubai, Malaysia, Indonesia, Canada, and USA, and is a recipient of many accolades and recognitions from many scholars in the field.

Entry pass can be obtained from http://tickets.lk/sriranga, and more information regarding this program can be obtained from Sainathanin Saranalayam, Colombo Office at 0776670522.