Construction of pillars

One day I met a lady doctor in a shop. She saw my children carrying a violin (we were on our way back from their music class) and started talking to us. She herself had learnt good music under a great teacher during her school and college days. After conversing for a few minutes, she said, ‘I think, the music I learnt was a waste. I don’t sing any more’. I immediately said, ‘People who know good music can appreciate the art form better than just listeners’. She didn’t agree. She said, ‘All people speak about music today and what is great about appreciation?’ This shocked me. More people appreciating classical music is to be welcomed. Not complained about. She seemed to be disappointed about not being one of the few to be appreciating and knowing the great art form. Wrong thought.

Now, on to Natya Shastra.

Followed by the foundation stone, pillars are erected on an auspicious day with star either Rohini or Sravana. The preceptor or teacher fasts for 3 days and erects the pillars at dawn when the auspicious moment arrives. Four pillars are erected in four directions in relation with the four different varnas. After the pillars are erected, musical instruments are played, and the following prayer is chanted. "Just like the Meru mountain cannot be shaken and the Himalaya remains firm, the construction should also remain firm and unshakable. Victory be to King".

On either side of the stage, side rooms are built furnished with 4 pillars. These side rooms are given the name ‘Green rooms’ today where the artists put make-up and gets ready for the performance. Natya Shastra calls it ‘Mattavarani’. Each Green room is furnished with 2 doors.

Now comes the most important part, ‘construction of Rangapita or Stage’. Ground has to be ploughed and cleaned thoroughly. Earth or mud is to be carried in new baskets. All the workers engaged should be free from defects in their limbs. The entire stage head or surface of the stage is to be very carefully constructed. It should not resemble the convex backs of tortoise or fish. It should be as flat as the surface of the mirror. Enough for today? Fine.

Once the great ‘Madurai Mani Iyer’ was asked for a performance during the inauguration of a Sabha. Immediately he asked, ‘How much money’? The members of the sabha who had gone to meet him thought that he was talking about his fee for the concert and said, ‘How much ever you say’. Mani Iyer answered, ‘ I am not talking about my fee. I want to contribute something for your sabha. So let me know how much I should donate’. This, not only shocked them but should shock each one of us today, to think straight. Also, he recommended D.K. Pattammal for the first concert and gave his own later. Ethics, Values and Virtues should not be forgotten.