A Glimpse into Divinity: Sree Krishna Kathamrutham at Chinmaya Vrindhavanam
On the evening of February 5, 2012, the historic grounds of Sree Vadakkumnatha Temple in Thrissur became a stage for an unforgettable journey through the life of Lord Krishna. Sree Krishna Kathamrutham, a grand cultural and classical dance performance organized by Chinmaya Mission College, Kolazhy, brought the celestial tales of Lord Krishna to life with unparalleled splendor and devotion. As the golden hues of the setting sun gave way to twilight, the atmosphere transformed into a sacred space brimming with divine artistry, enchanting the audience of over 2,500.
The program was a monumental effort, choreographed by the talented students Sree Lakshmi and Greeshma, and guided by the college faculty. The dedication of 160 performers on stage and countless individuals behind the scenes crafted a showcase of sheer excellence. The legendary Padmasree Darshana Jhaveri inaugurated the event, while dignitaries, including Sri. Therambil Ramakrishnan, MLA of Thrissur, and Sri. M.C.S. Menon, President of Cochin Devaswom Board, graced the occasion with their presence.
The narrative began with Gurupaduka Stothram, set in dance for the first time, blending Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, and Mohiniyattam. This was followed by an invocation to Lord Ganesha in Gambeera Natta Ragam, Devi Stuthi in Aarabhi, and Shiva Stuthi in Revathy. Each piece displayed grace and spiritual reverence, setting the tone for the journey through Krishna’s life.
The story unfolded in vivid episodes—from Krishna’s Avatharam, portrayed in Mohiniyattam, to his playful childhood in Bala Leela, elegantly captured in Bharatanatyam. The powerful scene of Kaliya Mardhanam, accompanied by the haunting song “Nachatha Sugandhi,” followed by the divine Govardhanodharanam in Kathak, kept the audience spellbound. The Manipuri dancers enchanted with the melody of Venuganam, and the haunting lines of Jayadeva’s Gita Govinda painted a picture of Krishna’s dance with the Gopis in Rasakrida.
From Bhaktha Meera to the grand Madhurapuri Yathra, each portrayal was unique, culminating in Swargarohanam, a moving scene depicting Krishna’s yogic Samadhi beneath a banyan tree. The stage filled with vibrant colors and devotional fervor as students joined in a stunning fusion dance sequence, embodying unity and divine beauty. The grand finale, Ksheerasagara Shayana, in which Krishna reclines with the holy symbols of conch, club, lotus, and chakra, captured a divine vision.
Anandasayanam, accompanied by the lyrics of Thyagaraja in Devagandhari Ragam, concluded the program on a note of blissful devotion. The entire event, staged on a custom-built 60x40 ft platform, showcased the college’s commitment to perfection. Maestros in various classical dance forms were brought in to mentor students, and meticulous planning ensured safety and comfort for the audience.
The performance earned overwhelming applause and was specially re-staged for Doordarshan the following day, extending its reach to a wider audience. Sree Krishna Kathamrutham not only celebrated the life of Lord Krishna but also reinforced the timeless beauty of India’s classical arts, a testament to Chinmaya Mission College’s dedication to preserving and sharing cultural heritage.