Introduction to Harikatha
Course Aim
Harikatha is an ancient traditional art form of India that combines storytelling, music, dance, and spiritual philosophy. The term “Hari” refers to Lord Vishnu, and “katha” means story. Through Harikatha, performers narrate stories from epics like the Bhagavatam and Ramayana, conveying moral values and spiritual wisdom in an engaging and devotional manner. It aims to inspire devotion in listeners and promote righteous living through the blend of entertainment and enlightenment.
Course Objectives
- Understand the origins and evolution of Harikatha within the Bhakti movement.
- Learn the integration of music and rhythm in Harikatha performances.
- Analyze the structure and components of traditional Harikatha narratives.
- Prepare and deliver a short Harikatha performance incorporating learned techniques.
Skills You Will Gain
Enact Traditional Harikatha
Learn fundamental aspects of performing Harikatha, including the use of basic wooden instruments like chekkalu.
Express Through Body and Voice
Develop the voice and body as powerful tools to convey emotion and connect with audiences.
Perform with Confidence
Confidently deliver monologues filled with clear articulation, heartfelt expression, commanding stage presence.
Engage in Cultural Performances
Recite and perform Harikatha in temples, festivals, and cultural organizations with confidence.
Learning Modules
Harikatha : Introduction to bhakti Rasa Narrative Singing – In depth analysis of the Evolution, History, Development of this Devotional Art form.
The Important aspects of Harikatha: Instruments: Mrudangam; Importantance of Struti; Taala and Laya aspects using Chirutalu; the walk pattern of the performer using foot modulation with Ghungroos; Different aspects of the science and traditions underlying the significance of the above.
Different arts Styles collaborations: Detailed analysis of the importance of collaborations pertaining to music; instruments; dance; poetry in Performing Hari Katha.
Introduction of Sri Adibhatla NarayanaDasu Garu. Parvati Kalyanam: A detailed study for Harikatha.
HariKatha – Parvathi Kalyanam -Introduction Prayer; The Introduction of the narrative story in the art form. Introduction of Himavantha Reign during his administrative ruling.
Himavantha’s penance to get Sarvani ‘s grace
Sarvani blesses Himavantha- Parvathi Birth.
Descriptive narration of Parvathi’s childhood.
Introduction Daruvu of Sage Narada; Parvati offering herself to Serve Lord Shiva.
Recap of previous weeks learnings; Manmatha’s character intro and his involvement.
Lord Siva’s anger on Manmatha; detailed description of Manmatha turning down into ashes from Shiva’s rage. Manamatha’s wife Rati’s agony.
Lord Shiva in the Disguise of Erukala form to meet Parvati
Penance of Parvati to appease Lord Shiva and get the attention of his love. Lord Shiva appearing in the disguise form of a Brahmachari.
Recap of Previous sessions learnings.
The true form of Lord Shiva disclosed to Parvati. Kalyanam of Parvathi to Lord Shiva.
Padma Shri Awardee D.UmaMaheshwari
Adjunct Professor
An accomplished artist of immense talent and is capable of projecting the great cultural heritage of India through her performance of Harikatha. She is an artist of rare abilities, charm and dignity with an all India reputation of being the FIRST WOMAN HARIKATHA ARTIST IN SANSKRIT. Born in 1960 May 21st, in a family of Musicians. She hails from the Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh.
Her grandfather Late Sri.D.Pitchihari was a renowned Nadaswaram Vidwan and her Father was the Asthana Vidwan of Vemulawada Raja Rajeshwari Temple of Andhra Pradesh. From early childhood she practiced Classical vocal music.She joined Sri Sarvaraya Harikatha Pathasala of Kapileshwarapuram in the year 1975 and brought up by Sri. S.B.P.B.K. Satyanarayana Rao and Smt.S.B. Raja Rajeshwaramma who are great devoted couple towards fine arts. Very soon Uma made a mark as a Telugu Harikatha artiste inspired her to scale new heights. The motive force and background support came from Sri. S.B.P.B.K. Satyanarayana Rao, the promoter of Sri. Sarvaraya Harikatha Patashala, she has undergone training in Sanskrit Harikathas. Sanskrit is a universal Language and the Indian culture is embedded in its literature. It has also wider reach than Telugu.
Uma gave her first Sanskrit Harikatha performance of “KUMARASAMBHAVAM” at Kalidasa Academy UJJAIN, Madhya Pradesh in 1985. She captured the imagination of all the scholars who gathered there from different parts of the Country and abroad. Since then Uma’s participation in the annual festival of that academy has become a regular feature by performing all Kalidasa’s Kavyas and Dramas in Sanskrit till today.
She is enjoying by performing Harikathas in several Devastanams like Tirumala Tirupathi, Sisailam, Annavaram, Vemulawada etc. and regularly featuring in its festivals and other occasions.
Contact Info
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