01. PUSHPANJALI
Pushpanjali in Ragam Saraswati set to Adi Talam, a traditional composition.
Pushpanjali is an offering of flowers to the Divine God, Mother Earth, Guru and the audience seeking the blessings of all for an auspicious beginning.
02. ALLARIPU
Allaripu in Ragam Nattai set to Talam Tisram
Allaripu is the first dance a student is taught in a Bharatanatyam Margam and is generally associated to a blooming bud
03. JATHISWARAM
Jathiswaram in Ragam Ragamalika set to Mishrachapu Talam, a composition of the Tanjore Quartet
Jathiswaram is a pure dance with abstract movements.
04. VARNAM
Varnam in Ragam Gambeeranatai set to Adi Talam, a composition of Dr. M. Balamurali Krishna
Varnam is the centre piece of an Arangetram recital where footwork and facial expressions are highlighted.
05. DASAVATARAM
5. Dasavataram in Ragam Ragamalika set to to Adi Talam, a composition of Udumalai Sri Narayana Kavi.
Dasavataram narrates the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu, taken to restore balance and uphold Dharma. Vishnu is envisioned reclining on the cosmic serpent in the milky ocean, the source of creation and protection. Below is a brief explanation of these incarnations:
1. Matsya (Fish) – Rescued the stolen Vedas from demon Somukha and restored sacred knowledge.
2. Kurma (Turtle) – Supported Mount Mandara during the ocean churning for the nectar of immortality.
3. Varaha (Boar) – Lifted Earth from the depths after demon Hiranyaksha hid her beneath the oceans.
4. Narasimha (Man-Lion) – Emerged from a pillar to protect Prahalad and destroyed tyrant Hiranyakashipu.
5. Vamana (Dwarf) – Humbled King Mahabali by asking for three steps of land, then spanned Earth and heaven in cosmic form.
6. Parashurama – Warrior sage who eradicated corrupt rulers.
7. Rama – Ideal of virtue; defeated Ravana and upheld righteousness.
8. Balarama – Wielded the plough to safeguard the world from famine.
9. Krishna – Embodied love and wisdom; guided humanity through the Mahabharata and preserved Dharma.
10. Kalki – Yet to come; will restore Dharma in Kali Yuga.
06. PADAM
Padam in ragam Karnataka Devagandhari set to Adi Talam
This is a dance in praise of Lord Muruga.
07. THILLANA
Thillana in Ragam Brindavani Saranga set to Adi Talam, a composition of Madurai N. Krishnan
A thillana is a lively, rhythmically complex composition generally performed as the concluding piece to end the performance on a bright, exhilarating note.
08. KAVADI CHINDU & MANGALAM
Kavadi Chindu set to Adi Talam, a composition of Ramalinga Adigalar.
This is a rare composition on Lord Nataraja and we dedicate this entire Arangetram at the feet of the Lord of Dance.
