Salabhanjika(The Sculpture)
In the choreography titled Salabhanjika(The Sculpture) a unique portrayal of the Salabhanjika sculpture unfolds. These stone sculptures, commonly found in South Indian temples, symbolize sacred guardianship and are often depicted as women holding lamps. However, this particular Salabhanjika carries the essence of Ahalya, a character from the Hindu epic Ramayana.
Ahalya, cursed by her husband and later freed by Rama, is embodied within the stone. The dance piece explores the story of a sculptor tirelessly working on the stone, infusing it with the grace and beauty of the feminine ideal. The Salabhanjika takes on a captivating split personality, yearning for union with the sculptor and dreaming of fleeting happiness.
Meanwhile, Ahalya, a bereaved spirit, experiences shades of pain and awaits salvation, which she believes Rama will bring. This contrast between worldly desire and spiritual divinity adds depth to the performance, delving into the complexities of human emotions and aspirations. Through expressive movements and evocative storytelling, Salabhanjika(The Sculpture), invites the audience to contemplate the duality of human existence and the search for fulfilment in both worldly and spiritual realms.
