Sadguru Sri Tyagaraja - An Untold History - Upcoming event
Vanamala Center for Art and Culture is presenting a study circle from 14th of May 2022 to 19th of May 2022.
In this study circle, Dr B. M. Sundaram, an eminent musicologist, will talk about several lesser-known facets of Sri Tyagaraja’s early life, work and legacy. The lectures will delve into details about the authenticity of Sri Tyagaraja’s compositions, Patantharas, explanations of select Kritis, and the danceability aspects. Students and performers of music and dance, and researchers will find the study circle useful in expanding their knowledge, while connoisseurs will discover many interesting facts about the Saintcomposer and his compositions.
Dr. B. M. Sundaram is an eminent scholar and composer of Indian Music. He has been doing extensive research at Saraswati Mahal library, Tanjavur, since 1953. He has authored a number of books and articles on a variety of different topics, edited and translated several works- all this is proof of his scholarship across different disciplines. He is a music composer and an expert in multiple languages. He has received many titles and awards such as Kala Bharati, Kalaimamani, etc.
Registration Process:
The registration fee has to be transferred to the bank account given below, and the transaction receipt has to be submitted in the
Google Forms link: https://forms.gle/oC9XPEqJyTWF5HxQ9
The Zoom links for the sessions will be shared with the registered
participants.
Bank Details:
Vanamala Center for Art and Culture
A/C No: 0024104000314398
IFSC: IBKL0000024
E-Certificates will be given to participants
Dasha Mahavidya Release Function: Report - By Ragini Sanath
Saturday, 2nd October 2021 was a very significant day to most of us in our own ways. While the nation was celebrating the birth of the father of the nation, Gandhiji, and many people were happy that they could step out after a two-year forced stay at home hiatus due to the pandemic, we the team at Vanamala Center for Art and Culture (REGD) were very excited and geared up to be at Suchitra Cinema and Cultural Academy in Banashankari, Bengaluru. We were all looking forward to the release of the much-awaited audio-visual documentary on "Dasha Mahavidya" - The Ten Cosmic Powers.
This project, a brainchild of Dr. Meera Rajaram Pranesh and Dr. Pranesh, brings the knowledge on the various esoteric aspects, of the Devi as an audio-visual documentary making it accessible to the common man. It showcases years of their dedicated research and resources that were curated by both of them in arduous situations and directed into this project which makes it very unique and enthralling. This documentary was released as the 19th of the lectures, through the program Bharatiya Samskriti Darshana (A series of lectures on the Origin and Development of Indian Culture through ages). The whole event was also live streamed on the Youtube channel of Vanamala Center for Art and Culture virtually on the below link:
Vid.Nagashree Narayan, team member of Vanamala Center and the Dasha Maha Vidya project, as the Master of Ceremony commenced the event seeking blessings from Guru’s and welcomed the guests of honour and the program hosts to the stage. The program proceeded with a soulful and melodious invocation ‘Sadashraye Abhayambike’ rendered by Vid.Smt. Paavani Bharadwaj, Vid.Smt. Navya Nagaraj and Vid.Smt. Megha Prabhu seeking blessings from the Mahavidya Tripura Sundari, selected from the Dasha Mahavidya project. Dr Madhuvanti took the privelege to introduce the acclaimed guests of honour - Dr. Choodamani Nandagopal (Art Historian, Unesco Fellow), Smt. Lakshmi Anantanarayan (Sanskrit Scholar, Philosopher) and Vidushi Rohini Manjunath (Karnatak Musician, Teacher) to the live and virtual audiences. Post the customary lamp lighting by the guests of honour and the hosts, Dr. Meera Rajaram Pranesh spoke in brief about the vision and making of the documentary which set the right momentum to the program. The documentary was then released to the wider world by the guests of honour. Post this, everyone in the audience was treated to a 40 min live screening of the trailers of the documentary in both English and Kannada. It left the audience awe-stuck and asking for more. Blessed and thankful were we, who as a team were part of this project and could visualize the seamless intertwining of the concept through philosophy, chants, music, sculptures and the interesting commentary. Smt. Ragini Sanath, team member of Vanamala Center and the Dasha Mahavidya project, narrated her experiences and take-aways as an active participant of the project. Invited dignitaries shared their point of view and words of appreciation towards this noble endeavor. Sri Avinash, and Sri Umesh, video editor and sound engineer, who successfully compiled this as an audio-visual documentary, a mammoth task by itself, were honoured by the hosts. The program concluded with Dr. Meera Rajaram Pranesh introducing us, her team- Dasha Mahavidya, to one and all present, a proud and humbling moment to all of us. Smt. Ananya Bhagath, team member of Vanamala Center and the Dasha Mahavidya project, profusely thanked all stakeholders involved with the project. Everyone present was treated to a scrumptious and delicious food treat. All in all, it was a day that will be remembered by all present for years to come.
Subscribe to our Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk3SLjT2Y-IelNdRA5mY_Tg/featured
To know more about Dasha Mahavidya:
Dasha Mahavidya Documentary – English
Dasha Mahavidya Documentary – Kannada
Songs on Dasha Mahavidya
A Study of Acoustics in Performance Spaces - With Special Reference to Indian Classical Music
- Dr. M. A. Madhuvanthi
Buy it on Amazon- A Study of Acoustics in Performance Spaces – With Special Reference to Indian Classical Music https://www.amazon.in/dp/8194329000/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_3RPH5Y0TN2DM2RK5VQNS
About the book
Indian classical music is an important part of our culture and concerts are an important part of Indian classical music. While concerts serve as recreation for some people, they are educative to students and youngsters aspiring to explore the world of Indian classical music. The sound perceived by the listener is often as good as the acoustics of the space where the performance is happening. The role of the performance space in a concert cannot be undermined. At the same time, the quality of sound perceived does not depend on the acoustics of the space alone, but is a function of several other aspects.
This book studies various performance spaces of Indian classical music from the past up to the present. It also explores other important factors that influence the concert experience for the performer as well as the listener. Finally, it prescribes some guidelines by following which the overall aural experience in a concert can be improved.
Kannada Suladis of Haridasas With Notation
Editor-Dr Meera Rajaram Pranesh
Buy it on Amazon- Kannada Suladis of Haridasas with Notations https://www.amazon.in/dp/8193101677/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_VP7MS56QHX6RT36S76X6
About the Book
Suladis are musical forms that figure in Karnatak music. These are structured in a very scholarly manner. Suladis are set to simple melodies and its sahitya is embedded with philosophical principles. These are set to various familiar and rare talas.
The book Kannada Suladigalu comprises of Suladis composed by Vyasarayaru and Purandara Dasaru with notations in kannada and english. Sahitya in sanskrit and structural analysis of the Suladis with a brief summary of the compositions has been provided. Along with this book, a DVD consisting of all the 6 Suladis being sung is included.
Gitagangadhara of Kalale Nanjaraja With Translation
Editor-Dr Meera Rajaram Pranesh
Buy it on Amazon- Gita Gangadhara of Kalale Nanjaraja with Translation https://www.amazon.in/dp/8193101693/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_JRPGKMX4TJS6SXD2SHG3
About the Book
Gitagangadhara, a Geya Prabandha in Sanskrit, authored by Kalale Nanjaraja of 18th century, is dedicated to Lord Srikaṇṭheśwara of Garalapuri (Nanjanagudu) follows the footsteps of Jayadeva’s Gita Govinda. Gitagangadhara begins with an introduction of the author and his family; Shiva dallying with ladies of the hermits of Darukavana; Consequently, Parvati separating from Shiva; Interference of the sakhi and concluding with the happy reconciliation of Shiva and Parvati on the banks of the river Kapila. Gitagangadhara comprises of twenty-four songs or Ashtapadis and seventy-two shlokas (verses) spread across six cantos. The work has been given in Devanagari, Kannada and English scripts along with the summary in this book.
Harikeshanallur Dr L Mutthaih Bhagavatar- A Biography
Dr. Meera Rajaram Pranesh
Buy it on Amazon- Harikeshanallur Dr L Mutthaih Bhagavatar- A Biography https://www.amazon.in/dp/8193101650/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_DSWXH3KZEFVGEVRTDDVM
About the Book
This book deals with Harikeshanallur Dr L Mutthaih Bhagavatar’s life, achievements and contributions in detail. Along with the list of compositions an analysis of his style of composing is being made. Notations of select few compositions from different musical forms and rare photographs of Bhagavatar add up to its uniqueness.
A Documentary on Dasha Mahavidya - The Ten Cosmic Powers
This Six-hour documentary spread across in 12 segments, gives an overall view of Dasha Mahavidyas. Each Devi
is described as referred in Tantra and Puranas whose principles are based on Vedas and Upanishads. This is
comprised of Slokas, Yantras, Mantras, Karnatak Music compositions which co- relate to the principles of Dasha
Mahavidya supported by visuals of Shakti pithas and other Temples. The documentary is produced in both
Kannada and English languages.
The release function is to be held on 2nd of October, Saturday. Event will be streamed live.
Please click here to watch the program live:
https://youtu.be/-TmboY0Utbo
Documentary on Dasha Mahavidyas
Dasha Mahavidyas in Hindu scriptures are a group of deities represented as Devis. The Devis represent ten (Dasha) great paths of knowledge as well as cosmic powers that hold the entire creation. This is a derivative of the worship of the Divine Mother which has been an integral part of the Upanishads and the Vedas and further developed in the Puranas and Tantras. The worship of the Divine Mother and Devis can be fulfilled through three forms – Satvic, Rajasic, and Tamasic.
According to Upanishads, the formless, attributeless Brahman, with the help of Maaya, when assumes form, is called Saguna Brahman. So there are two forms of ultimate reality- absolute and relative. Though both appear to be different, they are indistinguishable - like fire and its burning power.
The idea of addressing and worshipping
God as Mother finds its expression in Vedas and Upanishads and it was
further developed in Puranas and Tantras.
The Dasha Mahavidyas are a group of deities represented as Devis. Their origin is narrated in Mahabhagavata Purana and the like, in the episode connected to Daksha Yagna wherein Devi Sati, the wife of Shiva and daughter of Daksha Prajapati, manifests as Dasha Mahavidyas or Ten Cosmic Powers. The conception of Mother worship flourished amongst Shakta followers. Shakta philosophy refers to, Shiva as pure supreme consciousness and his power of creation as Shakti. The divine mother can assume various forms to meet the spiritual needs of a devotee. The Tantra mentions Dasha Mahavidyas- the ten great paths of knowledge who hold the entire creation in their celestial grasp. All the ten great cosmic powers with their functions lead to self-realization.
- Kaali – Might, represents time. Shakti of Kaala or death
- Taara – Sound force, invoked for the acquisition of knowledge. She is the OM the sound syllable. Shakti of Akshobhya
- Tripurasundari – Beauty, and bliss. Iccha shakti. The desire which is the secret of creation and the root of manifestation
- Bhuvaneshwari – Vast vision. Jnana shakti. Representing the space concept in creation
- Tripurabhairavi – Effulgent charm, Kriya shakti. The force of Agni also called Durga.
- Chinnamasta – Striking force. Shakti of Indra.
- Dhumavati – Prominent inertness representing the primal state before creation and ultimate state after creation is withdrawn.
- Bagalamukhi – Paralysing power, blocks the flow of speech in an acrimonious debater
- Matangi – Expressive play, represents the word expressed as speech
- Kamalatmike – Concord, and harmony, represents consciousness in manifestation and creation’s beauty and bliss in expression.
Devi is Trigunatmike i.e bestowed with three Gunas namely Satvic, Rajasic, and Tamasic. Hence her worship is also based on the Gunas. In this documentary we have taken up only Satvic type of worship, incorporating Vedic and Upanishadic principles behind her worship.
Our South
Indian music compositions dedicated to Devi have in its womb the essence of
Veda and Upanishads, helping the performer and the listener reach his goal- the
self-realization.
In this documentary we intend to cover only the Satvic type of worship, incorporating the principles of Vedas and Upanishads. In addition, the documentary will cover South Indian Music compositions dedicated to the Devi performed in their traditional form. The near 3-hour documentary will also contain information as well as pictures of various Shakti Pithas across India and an elaborate and simple commentary in Kannada and English explaining the philosophy so that the viewer can have a holistic view.
The goal of this documentary is to
educate the community on the Satvic worship of Dasha Mahavidyas and intends to
assist them to get closer to achieve their goal towards self-realization.
This three-hour documentary gives an overall view of Dasha Mahavidyas. Each Devi is described as referred in Tantra and Puranas whose principles are based on Vedas and Upanishads. This is comprised of Slokas, Yantras, Mantras, Karnatak Music compositions which co-relate to the principles of Dasha Maha Vidyas supported by Visuals of Shakti pithas and other Temples. The commentary is in the languages Kannada and English. Musicians, Vedic scholars, Commentators, Visual artists, and others would be participating in this Project.
Awards
Dr.Meera Rajram Pranesh was honored and awarded "Ganakala Suvarna" at the golden jubilee celebration, the 50th conference of Gana Kala Parishat on 5th February 2020.
The Bengaluru Gayana Samaja Presented B.S Chandrakala Swaralipi award to Dr.Meera Rajaram Pranesh with the title "Swarabhushani" on 8th March 2020.
Bharatiya Samskriti Darshana- 18 - Guru Vandana
“Na Gururōr adhikam tatvam | Na Gurōr adhikam tapaḥ||
Tatva gñānāt param nāsti | tasmai Śri Gurave namaḥ ||
As part of the 18th program sequence of Bharatīya Samskriti Darshana, Vanamala Center for Art and Culture conducted and presented Guru Vandana program on 25th of August at Suchitra cinema and cultural academy. This beautiful Sunday was chosen by Dr Meera Rajaram Pranesh, managing trustee of Vamala Center for Art and Culture, to celebrate, acknowledge and honor all the Gurus on the auspicious occasion of Guru Pūrnima and also to release the book on Gīta Gangādhara, a romantic gēya prabandha (opera), in Sanskrit, of 18th century by Kaḷale Nañjarāja, a king-maker in Mysore .
The program began with a mellifluous rendering, featuring compositions on Guru’s, composed by various composers as Sri Tyagaraja, Muttusvami Dikshitar, Mysore Vasudevacharya, Maharaja Jayachamaraja Wodeyar, Basavanna, Purandaradasa, Abhangs, Meera bhajan. The compositions were presented in unison by artists Vid. Mangala Subrahmanya, Vijayashree Rao, Mansa Gireesh, Vaishnavi Mayya, Nagashree Narayan, Thejaswini, Manasa K.S, and Pavani Kashinath. Kum. Aishwarya Mahesh preceded each one of these compositions with apt information which kept the audience involved. Their soulful presentation touched everyone in the audience who perhaps, offered their salutations to their own Guru’s.
After respecting the Guru parampara musically, Dr Archana Bhat, member advisory board, introducing the organization to the audience, invited all the Gurus, the guests of honor, Sri. Keerthanacharya Lakshmandas Velankar, Vid. Sudha V. Murthy, Vid Rohini Manjunath,
Dr. B. M.Jayashree and Vid.Kamala Balaji to grace the stage. “Guruvina gulāmanāguva tanaka doreyadaṇṇa mukuti"-says Sri.Purandaradasa. Respecting this tradition, the Pranesh couple-Dr Meera and Dr Anant Pranesh felicitated the guests of honor. Dr Meera reminisced and acknowledged her association with all her gurus narrating wonderful experiences with them, as she thanked them on how each of them has sculpted her, every stage of her life.
The guests shared their wonderful experiences as her teachers and had priceless words of wisdom for us, her students. Sri. Keerthanacharya Lakshmandas Velankar narrated a beautiful anecdote from Srimad Bhagavatham of Lord Krishna, the universal teacher and a painter who tried to paint his portrait. The first few attempts from the painter unguided did not yield a good portrait however, guidance from his Guru led to the right painting. Velankar ji stressed on the importance of the right direction a disciple is bestowed upon by his Guru and the insatiable quest a disciple should have to seek out for this invaluable knowledge.
All the guests of honor spoke in length on the unlatchable bond of the Guru - Śiśya tradition, the route they have chosen to inspire and impart their knowledge to students. Virtues of humility, as a sign of strength, was stressed upon by each of them. The main take away for each one of us as students were the lessons of humility, perseverance, dedication to the art and devotion towards the teachers who guide us in every step of our journey selflessly. Each of their words was a reinforcement of values that have been cascaded to us from Dr Meera Rajaram. It strengthened our motivation to imbibe more such qualities and endeavor to build a selfless personality of our own, enabling us to humbly share knowledge with society to the extent possible by us.
As a tribute to her Guru and guide Dr. BVK Shastri, Dr Meera Rajaram has brought out a book on Gīta Gangādhara. This work sees the romance between Śiva and Pārvathi as the main protagonists in the form of aṣṭapadīs. The original manuscript transliterated to Kannada by Sri BVK Shastri was handed over to Dr Meera by him. This has been published now, as a book by Vanamala center for art and culture, which has the Sanskrit, Kannada and English versions of all the aṣṭapadīs and their summaries. The work was scholarly translated into all the languages by Dr.Rajani Jayaram, Dean, Student's Welfare and Head of the Sanskrit department, Jain (Deemed to be) University along with Sri Ramachandra. The guests of honor released this book open to the public. The book, a must-have to any artist is available at Vanamala center for art and culture and any one interested can reach out to Dr.Meera Rajaram Pranesh.
With us, the students of Dr Meera being blessed by her to carry forward the Guru - Śiśya Parampara, the beautiful event concluded thanking one and all present. Post a sumptuous lunch, all present dispersed enriched carrying pleasant memories of this wonderful event. - Ragini Sanath
Gurave sarva lōkānām | bhishajē
bhava
rōgiṇām
||
Nidhaye sarva vidyānām | Srī Dakśiṇā mūrtaye namaḥ ||
