Swarupa: Infinite Form - excerpts

Shiva - the one with matted locks, with the serpents coiled around his neck, with skulls hanging from his chest, covered in ash and wrapped in tiger skin – he is the supreme destroyer and transformer, whose name evokes love, devotion, fear and longing.

In Shiva, there is neither beginning nor end – he is the infinite form - the formless element of existence in which all things must pass to be ultimately transformed into a more vibrant existence. Shiva’s destruction is positive - nourishing and constructive destruction that builds and transforms life and energy.

We present works which touch upon these multifaceted aspects of Shiva – as the Divine, as a Lover, and as the Infinite Form.

1) Mallari – His Divine Form

The sounds of music fill the air as the deity is processed through the temple. As the devotees await His sight, the anticipation and expectation build up to a heightened crescendo until ultimately, His form appears.

Choreography: Sonali Skandan

Music: Preethi Mahesh, Shajilal Narayanan, MS Sukhi, Shikamani

Dancers: Sonali Skandan, Maya Kappil, Njideka Emenogu, Poulomi Das

2) Shadjam- In Anticipation of His Loving Form

The sound of “Sa,” the beginning or Shadjam is the beginning of love as the young girls busily prepare the house and bedeck themselves in anticipation for the arrival of the one who occupies their thoughts.

Choreography: Sonali Skandan

Composition: Bala Skandan      Music: Akshara

Dancers: Sonali Skandan, Maya Kappil, Njideka Emenogu, Poulomi Das

3) Bho Shambho – His Infinite Form

The infinite form of Shiva manifested as the lingam - the personification of the limitless sky and the endless cycle of existence with no beginning and end. He is the swayambhu – who is self-formed and who appeared naturally as the linga. He is not touched by the fleeting nature of existence. He is the stambha – the pillar, standing on one leg as the axis of the revolving cosmos. He resides in each of us as a cave of truth – that which is eternal and pure; He is the Master of the dance of the universe.
Choreography: Sonali Skandan
Compostion: Dayananda Saraswati Music: Sudha Ragunathan & Co.
Dancers: Sonali Skandan, Njideka Emenogu, Poulomi Das