"Deiva Karunyam" by VP Dhananjayan - with English subtitles (re-edit & titling by Ramaa Bharadvaj)

This dance about a pregnant doe by the renowned dancer VP Dhananjayan, is an absolute classic. I have seen it live at least 3 times.
A random online post by Dr. Anupama Kylash (dance-scholar) about a text called Kurangi Panchakam brought to mind this memorable depiction by Sri Dhananjayan that I had seen more than 2 decades ago.
The climax in his dance is different from the text & features a tiger and lightning bolt.

Below, I share the text of Kurangi Panchakam translated by Dr. Anupama, along with the video of Dhananjayan's dance that I have re-edited (added English subtitles) with his blessing/permission.
Thanks & enjoy both - Ramaa Bharadvaj
Aug, 2, 2021

*********
Kurangi Panchakam - a tale exemplifying the concepts of sharanāgati (surrender) and sacrifice.
Said to have been composed by Tirunarayana Kuratthai, a seer from the region of Melkote.
Here is a translation of the verses by Dr. Anupama Kylash

'O' lovely doe, what brings you to this dark and wild wood?
Did you mistakenly think, this is where a hermitage stood?
Can you not see, in this dangerous forest, even the birds,
say, cut, kill, tear, eat, drink, all fearful words!

You are surrounded by big rope nets, ponds with poisonous water,
raging forest fires, deep pits, a hunter with a bow raised for the slaughter.

Your child clutched to your bosom,
Oh! To which land have you come?
Heavy with child, little ones playing at your feet, slow and painful is your gait,
Behind, with ferocious fangs all bared, these wild dogs lie in wait!

Oh, Hunter! cried out the wild-eyed doe.
Please have care!
Take all of my flesh, but my udder, you spare,
for my little ones, only on my milk can they feed,
they can barely chew grass, to my request pay heed!
Saying so, she lay quiet, calm, and fearless,
while all nature went still, at words, so selfless.

Suddenly, the heavens resounded with a roar,
thunder rumbled, lightning streaked, in torrents came the downpour.
The bow of the hunter snapped firmly in two,
out of the forest, in terror, the wild dogs ran, askew.
The burning nets went damp, raging fires put out in a wink,
poisonous ponds were diluted, pits filled to the brink.

The doe bounded away in joy, to join her little young things,
unaware as to why the heavens showered their blessings.
See, the divine consort of Lakshmi arrives, like a blue cloud, benevolence replete,
to shower his graces and compassion on the one,
whose love and surrender is complete!
************
#dhananjayan #kathakali