Shilparamam @ Tirupathi

A Rhythm Divine - Dances Of India

The richness of India's cultural kaleidoscope is perfectly showcased by the stunning spread, splendor and style quotient of its "dances - classical" or folk. Each  a highly evolved and established tradition, these dances are a synthesized and synchronized celebration of India's legendary 

ethos of art and performance.

Bharatanatyam : India's most well known classical dance inspired by Chidambaram (Tamilnadu) temple sculptures. 

Kathak : A legendary North Indian dance form patronized by the Mughals and influenced by mythology.

Kuchipudi : A reputed classical dance originating from Kuchipudi village in Andhra Pradesh.

Kathakali : A dance synonymous with Kerala, believed to have originated here in the 17th century.

Odissi : Originating from Orissa and considered to be the oldest surviving dance form of India.

Mohiniattam : Originating in Kerala, literally dance of the enchantress, influenced by Bharatanatyam and Kathakali.

Th 5 Strategies for wise conduct : Panchatantra

Strategy 1

About Separation of Friends 

 

Develop the skill to distinguish between friends and flatterers.

Beware of flatterers and understand that they will go 

to any lengths to serve their own interests.

 Strategy 2

About gaining Friends 

Trustworthy friends, though rare, are stepping stones to happiness.The wise achieve their goals despite limitations and lack of resources when sincere friends help them through hard times. 

   

Strategy 3

About War and Peace 

Once an enemy, always an enemy.

Beware an enemy disguises as a friend, for he will surely turn against you and plot your downfall at an opportune time.

 Strategy 4

About Loss of Gains

 Since life is not filled with just good times,

be prepared for bad times as well.

Stay calm and mentally alert.

Be positive even in the face of adversity.

  

Strategy 5

About Rash Deeds 

Don't plunge recklessly into anything without thinking things out.

Before you begin any project, 

research it thoroughly and weigh its pros and cons.

Everyone's Survival Kit : Panchatantra Tales

"Pancha" means five and "Tantra" are strategies.

Around 200 BC, renowned Hindu scholar, Vishnu Sharma composes the Panchatantra fables in Sanskrit.

Powerful King Amar Shakthi of Mahilaropya, in South India, is a wise governor and a well loved philanthropist.He worries about his three ignorant sons Bahu Shakthi, Ugra Shakthi, Ananta Shakthi who have no interest in learning.He requests 80 year old sage Vishnu Sharma to make them shrewd and able administrators within 6 months.

Vishnu Sharma takes up challenge of preparing his three ignorant wards to face any problem in life with confidence.He declines the king's offer of 100 grants of land, and accompanies his disciples to his hermitage.

A versatile teacher, he steers away from conventional factual learning.Embedded in animal stories, he highlights the basics of political science, psychology, philosophy, and sociology.He pioneers a unique genre of tales within tales for young adults but fit for children as well.

The Panchatantra has 84 tales in elegant prose with the wisdom theme in verse.It educates and entertains through a wide range of colourful characters and diverse opinions.

Global imitations and translations speak of its universal appeal - There are more than 200 versions in 50 languages outside India.

The Panchatantra upholds ethical values even while it encourages reform through dissent.This elixir for life is the secret of its popularity.

Jewels Of India

Vijayanagara

Hampi Village,

Karnataka (14th to 16th centuries)

 

 

Vittala Temple, 

famous for its 

stone chariot and extraordinary musical pillars that make 

music out of stone. 

                                                                           Pattadakal,

Karnataka (6th to 12th centuries)

Pattadakal's Shiva Virupaksha temple honors the same Deity as the larger eponymic temple built later in Vijayanagara.

Mahabalipuram,

Tamilnadu (6th to 9th centuries)

 The Shore Temple's ornate towers

                                                                                              Chola Temples

Tamil nadu (10th to 13th centuries)

Thanjavur temple,In 2010, the temple celebrated its 
1,000th anniversary on a grand scale.

The Sun Temple,

Konark (13th to 16th centuries)

At the entrance of the temple is a Nata Mandir. This is where the temple dancers used 
to perform dances in homage to the Sun god.

  

Konark Sun Temple Chariot Wheel

Front view of temple

Konark temple panoramic view

Ajanta 

Maharashtra (200 bce to 650 ce)

A parting view of the
Ajanta Caves

Reclining Buddha in Cave 26

Panoramic view

Ellora

Maharashtra (5th to 10th centuries)

The Kailash temple

A Buddhist stupa is one of the many marvels of the caves.

Khajuraho

Madhya Pradesh (950 to 1400 ce)

The meticulous details of the sculptors make visitors gasp in awe!

 The Style of Khajuraho temples

  

 Elephanta 

Maharashtra

Entrance to the caves

Paintings of Dravidian Woman

Dravidian woman by artist S.Elayaraja presented by Mrs.Dhana Lakshmi fordyce in association with abstract art gallery.

Specialization in :

Oil Painting, Water Color Painting,  Knife Painting,  Acrylic Painting, Print Making, Photography.

Source: http://www.elayarajaartgallery.com/index.html