Commissioned by the Natyarangam, Dance wing of Narada Gana Sabha for their Silver Jubilee Celebration series titled Utsava Bharatham, this production was featured amongst many eminent and talented artistes.
The sacred hill of Tiruvannamalai, one of the panchabootha sthalas is representative of the element of fire – The Agni Sthalam. Shiva is believed to have manifested as a column of fire which later condensed to form the imposing hill. Every nook and corner of the hill reverberates with the sounds of his damaru and bells, is scented with the fragrance of his sacred ash, is illuminant with his presence and vibrates with his energy.
The Karthigai Deepam Festival or the Festival of lights is a month long celebration in Tiruvannamalai that witnesses grand processions of the Panchamoorthys –on various vaahanas. The highlight of the festival is the appearance of the Ardhanari murthy as a precursory to lighting of the beacon atop the peak of the Arunachala hill, a sight that draws thousands of devotees every year.