It is an annual ritual for Asha Krishnakumar. Year after year, she chooses a Vaishnavite theme and after extensive research translates it into a full-fledged multimedia natya nadakam. Choosing 11 Vishnu temples referred to as Tirunangur Divya Desams, which form a part of the 108 Divya Desams, she recently presented ‘Ekadasa Vishnum’ at Narada Gana Sabha, under the banner of her Darshanam Art Creations.
Conceptualised and curated by Asha, the grand spectacle was visualised by Sheela Unnikrishnan along with the students of her Sridevi Nrityalaya. Music was by Rajkumar Bharathi, Sai Shravanam worked on the soundscape, narration and chanting by Malola Kannan, Chitra Madhavan, Rangan Bhattar, Vedharajan and Damal Ramakrishnan were the script consultants, lighting was by Murugan and Chella Videos handled the creative LED display. Shanmugam was the man behind the beautiful temple setting.
The eleven temples were divided into small groups, highlighting their association to legends of Rama, Krishna, Thayar, Perumal, Varadar and Srinivasa. More than 70 dancers featured in the well-choreographed ‘Ekadasa Vishnum’| Photo Credit:M. Srinath A tandavam performed by Shiva and 11 Rudras (emerging from the follicles of his hair) in the opening sequence portrayed the fiery form of Shiva with dramatic effect.
The early life of king Tirumangai Mannan and his transformation to Thirumangai Azhwar formed the introductory narrative, after which the production travelled through the Kshetras wi.
