For dancers who had  the opportunity to perform at the Aani Thirumanjanam celebrations at Sri Lakshmi temple in Ashland, MA the experience was surreal. It took us back to a time bygone when Devdasis used to dance front of the "Ratham". "During Utasavam time the Gods are very happy. Performing at this time easily pleases them" said Priest Bhairava Sundaram who was the initiator of this event.

The event was held on June 27 at the completion of the Rathothasavam. Jeyanthi Ghatraju opened with a Ganesha Shlokam. This was followed by the Shiva Tandava Stotram by Susruthi Rajnala and Monica Manikam,  students of Ranjani Saigal. Abhirami Manian, student of Thenu Rajan presented Aadi Kondar. This was followed by Thirupadam Thannai Thuki by Ranjani Saigal. Jeyanthi Ghatraju came next with a presentation of Kalam Kalamai Potridum. Thenu Rajan presented Ananda Natam Aduvar Thillai followed by Sujatha Meiyappan's Shankar Shri Giri Natha Prabhuke. Vyjayanthi Prasad came next with the ever popular Bho Shambho. Students of Sridevi Thirumalai presented Sri Vishwanatham and the grand finale was Bho Shambho by Priest Tejaswi.
Following the dances there was a musical interlude presented by Nishikant Solwalkar on the Tabla and Vijaya on the Sitar.

The perfect weather with a pleasant breeze , with a canopy of trees provided a great ambience and brought the right spiritual ambience.

"It is the day for teachers to honor their Guru, Lord Nataraja. It is our hope that the dance teachers will consider it their day and take over the running of the temple for that one day" said Priest Bhairava Sundaram.

K.G Narayana presented all participants with a beautiful print of the Sahasralingam present at the temple.

At the end of the prayers the dancers truly felt that there was no better way they could have spent the afternoon..

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