The divine legends of Lord Murugan came alive with breathtaking grandeur as Shreebala Nrithyala presented “Arupadai Veedu” at the Lewisville Grand Theater. Conceptualized, choreographed, and directed by Guru Raji Krishna, the production was an artistic triumph — an exquisite confluence of Bharatanatyam, multimedia design, and devotional storytelling that illuminated Tamil culture in all its splendor.
More than 250 attendees were swept into Murugan's sacred journey across his six abodes — from Thiruparankundram to Pazhamudhircholai — as myth, music, and movement intertwined in perfect harmony. The evening was graced by Sri. Paul Pandian, Sri. Ramalingam Raja, and Sri. Srikanth Kannan, who joined the audience in celebrating the artistry, devotion, and cultural pride that defined the night.
Visual Storytelling at Its Finest
What set Arupadai Veedu apart was its stunning visual storytelling. From a graceful Shiva-Parvathi duet to a peacock soaring across the world, every scene was infused with symbolic beauty and spiritual meaning. The highlight came with the lotus prop descending into water, depicting Murugan's divine birth — a moment of pure theatrical wonder achieved through sophisticated rigging and projection design.
Soorasamharam and Valli Kalyanam: Grandeur on Stage
Among the evening's most striking moments was the Soorasamharam, where the audience watched in awe as the demon tree split open and transformed into Seval (rooster) and Mayil (peacock) — Murugan's celestial emblems. The transition, enhanced by precision lighting and movement, earned thunderous applause and a standing ovation.
Equally captivating was the Valli Kalyanam sequence, where the grand entry of a life-sized elephant on stage drew gasps of delight. The blend of spectacle and storytelling perfectly captured the joy and grace of Murugan's union with Valli.
The Artistry of Choreography
At the heart of Arupadai Veedu was Guru Raji Krishna's intricate choreography, which balanced technical mastery with emotional nuance. The Jathiswaram stood out for its rhythmic precision and complex footwork patterns, layered with graceful geometries. The Thillana sparkled with brisk nritta sequences and vibrant synchronization, while the peppy folk number injected a burst of earthy energy, connecting the sacred narrative to the spirit of celebration. Each piece flowed seamlessly into the next, showcasing the Guru's ability to weave classical discipline and modern stagecraft into a unified artistic vision.
A Symphony of Devotion
The evening's musical foundation was as extraordinary as its visuals. Under the masterful direction of Dr. Rajkumar Bharathi, the score carried divine intensity, weaving together classical Carnatic depth with cinematic sweep. The poetic verses of Dr. Raghuram provided lyrical richness, while the stirring vocals of Sri. Sai Sharavan, Smt. Krithika Arvind, and Smt. Savitha Sai Shravan brought the stories to life with emotional resonance.
Supporting this sonic landscape was an exceptional live orchestra — Sri. Vedakrishna Ram on mridangam, Smt. Rangapriya on violin, Sri. Balasubramani on nadaswaram, Sri. Subramanya Sharma on veena, and Sri. Ganapathy Venkatasubramanian on tabla and kanjira. Their synergy filled the hall with rhythm, melody, and devotion, enriching every step and gesture on stage.
A Dazzling Finale
The performance culminated in a spectacular Thillana-Folk Jugalbandi, blending classical precision with the exuberant spirit of Kavadi and Horse Dance traditions — a one-of-a-kind presentation rarely witnessed in the United States. The finale erupted in rhythm and color, leaving the audience on its feet in a standing ovation that lasted several minutes.
A Vision of Faith and Heritage
Behind the grandeur stood the dedication of over 40 dancers and a meticulous production crew, guided by Guru Raji Krishna's vision. Reflecting on the performance, Guru Raji shared,
“Arupadai Veedu is not just a story — it is a living philosophy of faith, valor, and beauty. Bringing that essence to life through dance is both a spiritual and artistic journey.”
As the curtain fell, Shreebala Nrithyala reaffirmed its role as a torchbearer of Indian classical arts in Texas. With Arupadai Veedu, the academy not only celebrated Tamil devotion and mythology but also bridged continents — connecting tradition and innovation through the universal language of art.
- Our Overseas Correspondent Sheela Ramnan from San Antonio