Dance Programme by the students of the Sri Sathya Sai University
April 06, 2008
On the eve of Ugadi, 6th evening, there was a dance-drama in Telugu by the students of Bhagawan’s School and University entitled ‘Baala Ramam’. The presentation based on ‘Rama Katha Rasavahini’, Bhagawan’s exposition of Ramayana, began with the depiction of the glory of Ikshvaaku Kula (the lineage of King Ikshvaaku in which Lord Sri Rama was born) and the early years in the life of Lord Sri Rama, culminating in His marriage with Sita. Being born in the valorous and virtuous dynasty of kings such as Bhagiratha (who brought the heavenly river Ganges on to the earth through his penance), Harishchandra (who sold himself and his family away to fulfill his promise), Dileepa (who offered his life for the sake of protecting the divine cow Nandini), Dasharatha was lamenting his misfortune of not having a son to perpetuate his lineage and rule the kingdom of Ayodhya. He then performed the ‘Putra Kameshti Yaga’ sacrifice, by which he was blessed to have four sons through his three queens: Rama through Queen Koushalya, Lakshmana and Shatrughna through Queen Sumitra, and Bharata through Queen Kaikeyi. After having spent their early years in the palace where they endeared themselves to one and all, the young princes were sent for their education under the tutelage of Sage Vasishta.
Then the scene shifts to the royal court where Sage Vishwamitra approaches King Dasharatha seeking the assistance of Rama and Lakshmana to protect his rituals and sacrifices from the disruptions caused by the demons in the forest. Though Dasharatha offers his services along with his entire army, Vishwamitra insists on Rama and Lakhmana alone, to the exclusion of everyone else. Dasharatha sorrowfully parts with his young sons and thus Rama and Lakshmana accompany Vishwamitra to his hermitage in the forest to safeguard his sacrifice. In order that the young princes be well-armed and prepared to face tough opponents, Vishwamitra teaches them secret formulae to invoke and use many powerful weapons. Having thus acquired these weapons, Rama and Lakshmana emerge victorious in defeating the demons, and Vishwamitra’s sacrifices are thus successfully completed. Then Rama and Lakshmana follow Vishwamitra to the court of King Janaka in the kingdom of Mithila, where Janaka’s daughter Sita was being offered in marriage to suitors who can lift and string the heavy bow ‘Shiva Dhanush’, the bow of Lord Shiva. After many strong kings try in vain to even move the bow from its stand, Rama not only lifts it and strings with ease, but in the process breaks it too, thus demonstrating His superhuman strength, nay, divinity. The drama concluded with the scene of Sita garlanding Rama in a grand and glorious wedding. The dance-drama was characterised by beautiful and profound lyrics and dialogues set to appealing tunes, and superb choreography. Bhagawan was extremely pleased with the entire presentation and granted photographs to all the participants.
