A theologian’s life hardly gets into the world of performing arts yet a Mohiniyattam danseuse has chosen to compose a work on 8th century philosopher Shankaracharya.
Gopika Varma, who has performed at numerous coveted gatherings in India and abroad in the past two decades, considers her latest work to be her masterpiece.
"Shankaracharya’s journey of knowledge spanned only 32 years. I could present only a drop from that vast ocean. Even that has become wondrous," said the dancer, who has spent more than two years exclusively on the project.
Varma had to sacrifice several other projects to pursue her passion. She said she received immense help from the Kanchi Kamakodi mutt and Sankara mutt in her research.
"Shankaracharya’s life never ceases to amaze you. We waked all the from Kalady to Kailasam and set up mutts all over India. He wrote on everything including Sanskrit, literature, philosophy, music and dance. Works like ‘Amaru Shatakam’ is full of romance. That is pure dance," she said.
"He wrote on rivers including the Ganga and the Yamuna. He wrote on all divine concepts including Devi, Siva and Vishnu. Nobody since him has written anything beyond he has already written. His wring was so well founded," Varma said.
Shankaracharya famously asked his mother on her deathbed if anything was more painful to her than carrying him in the womb for nine months. He bowed before his mother after attaining the pinnacle of wisdom. “This episode sent out a unparalleled message on motherhood. There has been many attempts to make his life story accessible to common man. I did my part in a medium I knew best,” Varma said.
Varma, a member of the Travancore royal family, is based in Chennai as a Mohiniyattam instructor. "The composition based on Shankaracharya’s life was an invaluable experience in my dancing career," she said.
Varma was in Thrissur to present her art at the Vadakkum Natha Temple. Legend has it that Shankaracharya was born after his parents prayed at the famed temple. "Some people think he was a part of Shankara himself. Or you could just view him as an extraordinary wise man." Varma said.
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