Temple of Fine Arts
Anjali 2026 by the students of The Temple of Fine Arts is a vibrant celebration of dedication, discipline, and artistic growth, where students bring to life the rich traditions of dance through thoughtfully curated performances.
It reflects not only their technical progress but also their deepening connection to the art form. Today’s program is in 2 parts
Dancer: Sneha Subramaniam
Vocals: Radhika Krishnaraj
Nattuvangam: Sri Thina Subramaniam
Mridangam: Siddharth Raghavan
Violin: Pranav Manjunath
1. Varnam - Maathe Malayadwaja
The varnam is the central piece of the Bharatanatyam repertoire, intertwining both abhinaya (expressive narration) and nritta (pure dance). This majestic varnam celebrates Goddess Meenakshi, the divine queen of Madurai, beginning with the story of her miraculous birth, a result of King Pandya’s penance and appearing as a radiant child in the queen's arms. It then portrays the fierce goddess Chamundeshwari transforming her warrior form, exchanging weapons for ornaments and instruments that reflect grace and compassion. The varnam culminates with the powerful tale of Mahishasura Mardhini, where the goddess triumphs over the demon Mahishasura, symbolizing the eternal victory of good over evil.
Ragam: Khamas
Talam: Adi
Composer: Harikesanallur L. Muthiah Bhagavatar
Choreographer: Sri Thina Subramaniam
2. Smarasundaranguni
In this padam, the nayika asks: which man do you think is better than mine? She boasts about the greatness of her husband, who she compares to the flawless Manmadha (cupid). This heroine takes pride in the loyalty and affection she receives—her beloved willingly follows her wishes, decorates himself to please her, and remains faithfully by her side. She is portrayed with elegance, playfulness, and a radiant sense of empowerment that comes from mutual, unwavering love. He appreciates her, praises her and also rewards her for her talent.
Ragam: Paras
Talam: Adi
Composer: Dharmapuri Subbarayar
Choreographer: Sri Thina Subramaniam
3. Yahi Madhava Yahi Keshava
Drawn from Jayadeva’s Gita Govindam, this powerful ashtapadi portrays Radha confronting Krishna after his betrayal. Radha confronts Krishna with wounded pride and aching love, questioning the telltale signs of betrayal - his reddened eyes, darkened lips, and the scratches that mark his body. She accuses him of spending the night in the company of the other. Ever charming, Krishna offers playful excuses: his lips were stained by the blackberries he gathered lovingly for her, and the scratches came from climbing trees to fetch them. Will Radha surrender to his sweet words and forgive him, or see through the enchanting lies of the mischievous beloved?
Ragam: Sucharitra
Talam: Misra Chapu
Composer: Jayadeva Goswami
Choreographer: Sri Thina Subramaniam
4. Thillana
This vibrant Thillana is a joyous invocation to Lord Muruga, the radiant warrior deity. Through lively rhythms and energetic movement, the composition calls upon Velava, the wielder of the divine spear, to arrive majestically upon his peacock and bless devotees with grace and protection.
Ragam: Desh
Talam: Adi
Composer: Lalgudi G. Jayaraman
Choreographer: Vaibhav Arekar
1. Narthana Ganapathim
This vibrant, invocatory composition begins the margam by saluting Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and patron of arts. The choreography blends crisp adavus with sculptural poses that evoke Ganesha’s playful yet powerful form. The piece sets an auspicious tone, establishing both rhythmic clarity and devotional focus for the performance ahead.
Ragam: Nattai
Talam: Adi
Composer: Oothukkadu Venkata Kavi
Dancers: Vismitha, Raina, Nivitha, Sonia
2. Ganesha Kavithum
RThis dynamic piece also celebrates Lord Ganesha, through intricate jathis interwoven with evocative poetic passages. The dancer shifts between abstract rhythm and devotional imagery, portraying Ganesha as both protector and creative force.
Ragam: Nattai
Talam: Adi
Composer: Tanjore Quartet
Dancers: Lipsa, Swayam, Vidhya, Pinky, Rishmitha
3. Shymale Meenakshi
In this devotional composition in praise of Goddess Meenakshi, the dancers capture her divine beauty, regal grace, and fierce protective energy. The piece explores her dual nature as a compassionate mother and a powerful sovereign of Madurai.
Ragam: Shankarabharanam
Talam: Adi
Composer: Muthuswami Dikshitar
Dancers: Anika, Aashvi, Mishika, Yuana, Aadhya
4. Ra ra Venu
A lively and enchanting portrayal of young Krishna, this piece balances light-hearted storytelling with devotional surrender to Krishna, whose flute-playing draws all of creation into rhythm and joy.
Ragam: Bilahari
Talam: Adi
Composer: Patnam Subramanya Iyer
Dancers: Aditri, Riva, Akira, Krithi, Anaisha
5. Andal Kavithum
devotional tribute to Andal, the mystic poet-saint whose love for Lord Vishnu is expressed with unwavering intensity, this piece explores themes of longing, surrender, and divine union through expressive abhinaya.
Ragam: Malaya Marutham
Talam: Adi
Composer: Nattuvanar lineage
Dancer: Sharadha Vocal: Syona
6. Jathiswaram
The margam continues with a jathiswarm, a pure nritta composition that highlights the geometric precision, speed, and symmetry of Bharatanatyam movement.
Ragam: Kaanada
Talam: Adi
Dancers: Tejaswi, Shreshtha, Anusha, Gaiatri
7. Theruvil Vaarano
In this padam, the devotee yearns for a glimpse of Lord Nataraja during his procession. The choreography dwells in emotional subtlety, capturing anticipation, devotion, and the ache of longing.
Ragam: Kamas
Talam: Adhi
Composer: Muthu Thandavar
Dancer: Urja
8. Thillana
The margam closes with a thillana in praise of Lord Muruga, a spirited and energetic finale that celebrates rhythmic virtuosity and joyful movement. Fast-paced footwork, intricate adavus, and dynamic spatial patterns come together in a climactic expression of celebration.
Ragam: Desh
Talam: Adi
Composer: Lalgudi Jayaraman
Dancers: Aparna, Shreya, Sneha