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NAGESWARAN TEMPLE - MARVEL OF CHOLA ARCHITECTURE: The orientation is structured in such a way that the rays of the Sun falls directly in the base of the presiding deity (Shiva - குடந்தைக் கீழ் கோட்டத்து கூத்தனார் / குடந்தை கீழ்க்கோட்டம் நாகேஸ்வரர்) in sanctum sanctorum only during the Tamil new year in the month of Chithirai (April 14th) for three consecutive days. The temple is incarnated by the hymns of 'Thevaram' and is classified as 'Paadal Petra Sthalam'. “ஏறலைத்த நிமிர்கொடியொன் றுடையார் போலும் ஏழுலகுந் தொழுகழலெம் மீசர் போலுங் கூறலைத்த மலைமடந்தை கொழுநர் போலுங் குடந்தைக்கீழ்க் கோட்டத்தெங் கூத்த னாரே” -திருநாவுக்கரசர் / 6-ம் திருமுறை The temple shows early Chola art in its best form particularly in the form of high-relief near-life-size sculptures. In the niches of the outer wall of the sanctum, beautifully ornamented graceful figures in standing postures were carved. They might be the sculptures of worshippers, wealthy patrons, donors, royalty or contemporary princesses and princes. The Nataraja shrine is aesthetically designed in the form of a Chariot drawn by two horses. The wheel which can rotate on its axis is carved on a single stone and in the spokes of the wheel, the gods representing the 12 zodiac signs are beautifully carved. Period: This temple's construction, a precursor of many of the other Chola temples - was initiated by Aditya Chola-I (891-907 CE) and completed in the reign of Parantaka Chola-I (907 – 950 CE). Epigraphs on the temple walls indicate various grants and contributions by later Chola, Pandya and Vijayanagara Nayakar and Thanjavur Maratha kings. Place: Nageswaran Temple, Kumbakonam, Tamilnadu.
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Muhammed Sajid's vibrant digital illustrations highlight personalities, garments, and visual culture inspired by where he grew up.
Dear Readers, If you are still reliving the traditional splendor of last week's post on Bharatanatyam, we are back, as promised with a sneak peek into Sridevi Jagannath's Home, and her artistic mind space. The Nataraja "God of Dance" adorns the living space which is also used as a dance studio "Great dancers aren't great because of their technique; they are great because of their passion." Aalayam was fortunate to be a guest at Sridevi’s family home in North Carolina. The classical contemporary design sensibilities of her colorful home, which she also uses as a workshop for teaching dance, prompted us to ask her not only an interview but also a Home Tour! And she said Yes!! In continuation of the two-post series – Aalayam brings to you Sridevi’s home tour and a rendezvous with Sridevi herself! Classical Indian Tanjore Paintings, Rajasthani trinkets and ornate antique wooden frames punctuate this vibrant home Here is Sridevi with some inspirational thoughts about Laasya, her students, her family and her passions: Aalayam (A): What inspired you to start Laasya? Sridevi (S): I have always been very passionate about dance and wanted to pursue dancing either as a performer or as a teacher. As strange as it may seem, Laasya was conceived in a Flea Market. Yes, that's right! On a sunny Saturday afternoon, as my husband Vijay and I were taking a stroll in a flea market in Raleigh, an Indian lady approached me and asked if I was a dancer. She wanted her daughter, a 7-year old at that time, to learn from me. Thus began a wonderful journey into the realm of dance Sridevi combines a gorgeous embellished mirror with her student-class calendar in her dance studio A: What are your and Laasya’s plans for the future? S: Laasya was founded with the vision of engaging future generations in the rich classical dance form of Bharatanatyam. The school's primary objective is to foster creative thinking and personal growth in our youth. The school uses innovative techniques to explore new spaces of artistic expressions. The students are taught to observe “life” closely and learn to portray human emotions in the most honest way while being true to the character they play through story telling Eye catching finds from all over the world create a kaleidoscopic landscape for Sridevi's artistic endeavors. A: Can you tell us how the rigors and joy of learning dance have inspired your students? S: Laasya boasts of many graduates who started as 5-year olds and have continued to pursue their passion even at the university level. Many students are able to demonstrate their creative ideas either through workshops or innovative choreographies. Even though they come from very diverse backgrounds and unique cultures, dance is the single binding force that transcends many languages. The traditional "Tabala", Indian percussion instrument adds an interesting twist to Sridevi's living room, which combines comfort and rich Indian elegance. A: What is your inspirational message to the Aalayam readers? S: Aalayam, to me, is a kaleidoscope that always brightens my day. As an ardent follower, I really love the colorful pictures, ideas and information. The authors clearly have big dreams for their readers. For people like myself, Aalayam provides a way to infuse fresh air into some old furniture or cook something exotic without feeling overwhelmed. I incorporate some of the amazing ideas shared on this blog into my daily routine Thank you Sridevi for letting us into your life and your home! Love, Supriya Sridevi relaxes in her backyard deck with her favorite pastime between her classes, cuddling with her family pet and reading with a cuppa joe!
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