Foundation Stone for the Dramatic Hall

Just like Natya Shastra, one other important book of grammar on Natya is Abhinaya Dharpana. Most of the theory, taught in dance schools today is all based on Abhinaya Dharpana. The author is Nandikeswara. We will talk about this book or even compare it with Natya Shastra later. We will continue with the construction of dramatic hall today.

Plot will be divided after appropriate measurement. Foundation stone is laid with pomp and splendour with playing of musical instruments. Even today, playing of melam or Thavil and Nadaswara is considered auspicious in the beginning of any important event.

During the night, offerings are made to the guarding Gods. They are offered flowers, fruits, food stuffs etc. Details of what needs to be offered is also given very precisely. Offering made to the God of east should be white in colour. So, it is white cooked rice. Yellow in case of west, red in case of north, blue for south. Mantras are to be chanted in regard to the deity presiding over the different quarters.

Ghee and milk pudding should be given to scholars at the time of the foundation laying ceremony. Madhuparka, a mixture of honey, milk, ghee etc, will be given to royal personages. Rice will be given to action participants. Foundation stone should be laid during the auspicious lunar day with the constellation moola. We will see the erection of pillars in our next post.

Teachers who teach music or dance should have the ability to understand the capability level of each student and act accordingly. Some students may get it in one or two times of learning. Some may take twenty times. Teacher should have the patience to teach accordingly. Parents should understand one thing. Your child may be faster or slower than his or her friend learning from the same teacher. Do not blame the teacher if he or she  is little slow with your child. Remember, long term commitment is needed. Give your child ample time to learn and improve himself or herself. Any art form learnt will be a lifetime friend for anyone.

The Hindu's Friday review carried an article on the great S. Rajam, who was a great painter as well as a great Carnatic musician. The painting we see everywhere today of the Trinity of Carnatic music, Saint Thyagaraja, Muthuswamy Dikshidhar and Shyama Shastri is the painting created by Sri. S. Rajam. One thing which I would like to mention is, his attached importance to the concept of 'suddha swaras' or pure notes. Harmonium can be called a suddha swara instrument. Even though gamakas play the most important part in Carnatic music, too much of it makes the concert unpleasant. Little of pure or straight notes in the rendering makes it pleasing. Bye!