Monday, July 5, 2021

The pinnacle of Indian dance - Odissi by Sujata Mohapatra

Vid. Sujata Mohapatra is the daughter-in-law and disciple of Padma Vibhushan Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra. She is the goddess of Indian dance as far as I know. Watch her here in a very recent performance, depicting prayers to Sri Rama, Krishna and so on. I give below a shloka she dances to extolling Sri Rama and its meaning. 

 केकीक्ण्ठाभनिइलम् 
सुरवरविलसद्- 
विप्रपादाब्जचिह्नम् 
 शोभाढ्यं पीतवस्त्रं 
सरसिजनयनं 
सर्वदा सुप्रसन्नम् । 

 पाणौ नाराचचापं 
 कपिनिकरयुतं 
बन्धुना सेव्यमानम् 
 नौमीड्यं  जानकीशं 
 रघुवरमनिशं 
पुष्पकारूढरामम् ॥ 

With his mien of a colour like that of the neck of a peacock, 
The supreme among gods bearing the mark of sage Bhrigu's lotus feet on his chest, 
Resplendent, Wearing a golden yellow garment, 
With lotus-like eyes, 
Forever smiling cheerfully! 

Holding a sharp arrow and bow in his hands, 
Surrounded by an army of monkeys, 
Served by his brother Lakshmana always, 
 I bow down to Him, worshippable, the husband of Janaki/Sita, 
The supreme one of Raghu clan, lord of all, 
Enthroned on the Pushpaka, Sri Rama!