132 dancers ranging from 5 year olds to high schoolers from different dance schools gathered at the temple to perform two pieces as a part of the Maha Rudra Homam and Sahasra Kalasha Nataraja Abhishekam being performed as part of the Aani Thirumanjanam celebrations for Nataraja. 

In India this festival is celebrated on a grand scale in Chidambaram in honor of Thiru Nataraja Peruman. It is believed that in the star of Uthiram in the Tamil Month of Aani Shiva appeared under a Kurundai Tree and gave Upadesam to Manikka Vachagar, a famous Shiva Devotee who wrote the Thiruvachagam. 

The Sri Lakshmi Temple in Ashland is recreating that same grand festivities in Boston. A special Nritya Archana was conducted where 132 dancers from different dance schools came together and performed two pieces - One a simple dance delineating the Hasta Mudras or Hand Gestures in Bharatanatyam and the other a presentation to the Shiva Panchakshara Stotram dedicated to the Panchakshara Mantram Namashivaya of 5 Syllables. 

Dr. Anil Saigal, Trustee of the Temple and the Chairman of the YCEP group welcomed all the dancers and thanked them for taking the time to present the beautiful offering to Nataraja. The pieces were put together by local dance teacher, Kalaimangai Anbazhagan of the Amudasri Dance Academy. “This temple is your temple and we are so delighted to see all of you participating in this  very special festival in such a beautiful manner,” said Ganesh Krishnan who is the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the temple. Ranjani Saigal applauded the artist for their unique presentation which really was very very unique. She also explained the meaning of the Shiva Panchakshara Stotram. All the students were given food and Prasadam and got the blessing of Nataraja. 

There are several activities going on at the Sri Lakshmi Temple. Please check out their website for more information.