Mahanata Koutwam

https://youtu.be/kc0OdrBTxSM

Dance Choreography and performance by
Megha Srinivas
Disciple of *Dr Shobha Shashikumar* Bengaluru

Concept and Lyrics by
*Dr Manorama B N*
(Supporting to research write-up on Dance Sculptures)

*Conceptual details*
Mahanata Kouthvam is based on the *Mahanata-Shiva sculpture of Badami*.
Here the sutradhara visualized Mahanata as the one trying to please his dear consort Parvathi, who is upset that her Shiva is dancing with Ganga. Shiva becomes the Mahanata and performs the karanas because he knows that dancing is easiest way to calm his Parvathi and pacify her. He performs Apaviddham, Nikuttkam, Rechitanikkuttitam, Akshptam, Sarpitam, Mattali, Ardhamatalli, Valitam, Lalitam, Dolapada, Bhujanagatrastarechitam, Bhujangatrasitam for goddess Parvathi. Parvathi happily thinks to herself that she needs no convincing about his love for her and begins to dance along with him. She performs Avartam, Prushtaswastikam, Vakshasvastikam, Ardhasvastikam, upasrtakam along with Shiva. The sutradhara perceives Shiva and Shakti as ‘one’ and explains how both the energies are manifested in the same body and how they stand together as Ardhanaarishwara. Ganesha, who watches the beautiful dance of Shiva and Parvathi, comes in between to show off his dancing skills and performs Karihasta.
In concluding, sutradhara says that this Mahanata who shows himself in the human form is the greatest of the dancers and that his dance is a Veda for the dancers today and just one glance from this great Mahanata would bring all the happiness and contentment.

Raga-Ragamalika
Tala-Kandhachaphu
Nattuvanga- Madhulika Srivatsa
Vocal – Varsha krishna