Bhu Suktam: Yamini Kalluri/Kritya Ensemble

From Natya Shastra & Rig Veda
In Sanskrit
Concept & Choreography: Yamini Kalluri
Musical arrangement: Yamini Kalluri & Rohith Jayaraman

This hymn, which is dedicated to Mother Earth, is from the Rig Veda. I have created a dance to this hymn during the pandemic as an apology and gratitude to Mother Earth for teaching me a lesson to be constantly mindful that I am just a spec of matter and to not take Her for granted. This particular piece is inspired from the iconic movie, Sapthapadi, where the heroine of the story who is a Kuchipudi dancer (Sabitha Bhamidipati) dances to veda mantra chanting in a temple. I choreographed this piece to recreate that magnanimous impact that film made on me as a child. As dancers we are taught to be connected to Mother Earth. We in fact do not begin or finish dance practice without paying homage to Bhu Devi. This very principle of expressing gratitude to Bhu Devi urged me to create this piece.

(My interpretation)
The first two verses are taken from the Natya Shastra. And this is how it goes,
“Oh Mother Earth, you were manifested by Vishnu’s power. You are so vibrantly covered with all these innumerable colors which are beyond my imagination. Just when I conclude you are all just plain mud from the inside, you shocked me with all these precious shiny gems hidden in your womb. Mother, aren’t you full of mysteries?! To Such Mother embodies abundance, I bow down to your magnanimity.”

“Here you are again surprising me with your infinite wonders, as I navigate you I discover the oceans are your very robes, the mountains are your breasts. And I finally realized, as I dance I am pounding on you. For all the damage I am causing with my selfish acts, I beg your pardon.”

This sincere invocation is followed by the chanting of the Hymn, Bhoo Suktam. I chose a very abstract way to approach the rhythm while keeping a general metronome.
“Adithi, You are not just the soil beneath my feet and the skies above me but you are also the space in the heavens which I cannot comprehend. The fire in your belly consumes everything near but is also serenely compassionate by providing us with all the necessary food. The sun shines on you. The divine sound vibrations which are the source of creation rings within you. You recharge yourself with every sunrise. The upward and downward movement of the sun creates a bright firmament above you. If I disintegrate you with my wrongful behavior, with the fire ritual I will rekindle you again. Whatever was scattered in distress, the Devatas always made sure to gather everything back to bring back balance. Let the ghee lubricate the light of my mind, and let the scattered fire come back together before as a yagna. May Brihaspathi, the great sage, invoke Bhu devi to dance in joy for us as we bring back balance.”

Musicians: Singer - Pubali Mattoo
Nattuvangam: Vivek Ramanan
Mridangam: Chandrakanth
Violin: KLN Murthy

Location: Ravindra Bharathi, Hyderabad