From Alarippu to Moksha – Bhakti Bound by Muruga Dances #video

I had an amazing evening yesterday immersed in the overflowing of bhakti from dancers performing in the From Alarippu To Moksha dance festival at the Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple in Kuala Selangor.

Together with me was poet/singer Kanna who was equally enthralled by the Lord Muruga themed dance performances put up by Johor Bahru’s Suvarna Fine Arts and Singapore based Apsara Arts.

Suvarna led by internationally renowned dancer Ajith Bhaskaran Dass showed its professional status as one of Malaysia’s leading dance troupes through its dancers’ immaculate steps and perfect synchronisation.

Focussed in full devotion on Lord Subramaniar Swamy standing majestically in the altar before them, the troupe unravelled the glorious pastimes of the God of valour in its entirety – within the hour alloted – with Ajith’s intelligent choreography and the dancers’ flawless performance.

In the second half of the day’s show the audience was caught by surprise  -witnessing the oozing of Muruga bhakti by the heart touching abhinaya of Apsaras Arts performers – in particular lead dancer Mohanapriyan.

Mohanapriyan who had just arrived from a UK dance tour literally brought to life the Sri Subramaniar Swamy deity before the eyes of the audience with his heart rending pleas.

By way of his abhinaya – sad grimaces, fretful glances, swooning tumbles and daring challenges – Mohanapriyan finally coaxes his Lord out and grabs on to His lotus feet for dear life.

At the end of the evening’s performance with a beautifully choreographed Aandal number, Kanna said to me, “I feel like I was transported to a different world altogether.”

Review by R. Sittamparam.

Video by Mohana Sundram.