Mohiniyattam Adavus- Samishram or Vakrams (8 & 9)

 After a break , I am back. I would like to continue with Samishrams. Hopefully by now , everyone's slightly sure about the previous Adavus. This will be helpful in learning rest of the Adavus.

SAMISHRAM -VIII

The 5th Samishram is a combination of various adavus that we have learnt. You can say it is a combination of the 3rd, 4th, 5th & 6th Thaganams. 

Chollu: THATHTHI THAKANAKA THAKATHITHAKANAKA  THIKUTHATHARI THARIKITADHINA THLANKU DHINATHOM

Starting Posture: Aramandalam posture. Both hands in front of the chest - Tripathaka - palms facing down.

THATHTHI - Raise the right leg slightly and keep it down twice. Body and head should sway slightly to the right side and right palm should turn and should face up. Eyes should move to the right side.

THAKANAKA - Raise the left leg slightly and keep it down twice. Body and head should sway slightly to the left side and left palm should turn face up while the right hand turns to its previous position where the palm faces down. Eyes should move to the left side.

THAKATHI -Bend body slightly from right to left. Keep right leg behind left leg in Swasthikam. Change right hand from Hamsasya to Ardhachandra and left hand still in front of the chest in Hamsasya.

THAKANAKA - Bend body slightly to  right . Keep left leg behind right leg in Swasthikam. Change left hand from Hamsasya to Ardhachandra and right hand still in front of the chest in Hamsasya.

THIKUTHATHARI - Like the 6th Thaganam slightly faster.

THARIKITADHINA - Like the 5th Thaganam slightly faster.

THLANKU DHINATHOM - Do Thai Dhi Thi Thai  with the leg. The right hand circle sideways from Ardhachandra to Hamsasya  and comes back in front the chest. The left hand remains in front of the chest  in Hamsasya. The body and eyes should along with the hand. 

Repeat the entire Adavu on the left side.

SAMISHRAM-IX

Chollu: THATHTHI THAKANAKA THAKUMTHARI KITATHAKA

Starting Posture: Aramandalam posture. Both hands in front of the chest holding  Hamsasya 

THA - Place the right leg towards the right corner at a distance. Change the right hand to Ardhachandra with palm facing up. The right hand is stretched to the right corner parallel to the right leg. Body should along with the hand and leg to the right corner. Left hand is placed above the head in the left corner. 

THTHI - Stamp the left leg while remaining in the same position as THA

THAKA - Place the right hand in front of the chest changing from Ardhachandra to Hamsasya . Change left hand from Hamsasya to Ardhachandra with palm facing up. The right leg is placed behind the left leg in Swastikam.  The body is slanted towards the left side at the waist and should look at the left hand

NAKA - Stamp the left leg while standing in the position as in THAKA

THAKUMTHARI  - Stamp THI THI THAI once at the same place on the right side. The right hand is places near the waist and turns from Ardhachandra to Hamsasya. It should be noted that when the hand is holding Ardhachandra , one should look at the hand and while holding Hamsasya, one should look in front. 

KITATHAKA - Repeat THAKUMTHARI 

Repeat the entire Adavu on the left side.

In this blog post , I am explaining only 2 Samishram Adavus as I believe they are slightly on the tougher side . I would also like to dedicate my next post/s to my Guru Smt.Shyamala Surendran as in the next blog post/s I will be explaining the Adavus which has been choreographed by her.

Samishrams (5 to 7) or Finishing Adavus or Theermanams of Mohiniyattam

These Samisrams has been choreographed by Smt.Kalyanikutty Amma in the format of a Theermanam. The word Theermanam means to conclude. Theermanam are hence known as they are done to culminate a dance sequence or jathi.

SAMISHRAM-V or FINISHING ADAVU -I

Chollu: THLANKU DHINA THOM
              THLANKU DHINA THARIKITA DHINA THOM
              THLANKU DHINA THARIKITA DHINA THLANKU DHINA THOM
              THLANKU DHINA THARIKITA DHINA THLANKU DHINA THOM
              THLANKU DHINA THARIKITA DHINA THOM
              THLANKU DHINA THOM


 This Adavu doesn't necessarily have to be performed exactly like mentioned in the Chollu. The Adavu can be divided into parts accordingly. For e.g. it can be done as 

THLANKU DHINA THOM

THLANKU DHINA THOM

                                                                    THLANKU DHINA THOM

But while learning it is taught as a combination mentioned in the Chollu and later while choreographing an item, they maybe divided into parts or done as a whole as required.

I shall divide and explain each part as an individual Adavu. Hence shall explicate as done on the right side.

Starting Posture: Sit in Aramandi posture with both hands near chest holding Hamsasya

A) THLANKU DHINA THOM

THLANKU - Stamp the right leg . 

DHI  - Change posture to Kaalmandalam while placing the right heel diagonally to the right side . 

NA - While remaining in the same position as DHI , stamp the left leg.

THOM - Bring back the right leg to previous position and change posture to Aramandi. 

During the entire course of the Adavu, rotate right hand at the wrist and change from Hamsasya to Tripathaka  and come back to Hamsasya at the end of the Adavu. Move body and eyes   along with direction of the hand.

B)   THLANKU DHINA THARIKITA DHINA THOM

 THLANKU DHINA - Exactly like  in A without THOM but bring back right hand to Hamsasya. 

THARIKITA - Change posture to Kaalmandalam while slightly lifting the right leg and placing it a little away on to the right side diagonally. Change the right hand to Ardhachandra and place it parallel to the right foot opposite the knee. Body should bent towards the right leg and eyes should the right hand. 

 DHINA - Standing in the same position as THARIKITA  , stamp the left leg.

THOM - Come back to starting posture by bringing back the right leg near the left leg. Body, head and eyes should be in Samam.

C)   THLANKU DHINA THARIKITA DHINA THLANKU DHINA THOM

THLANKU DHINA THARIKITA DHINA -  Exactly like  in B

THLANKU DHINA THOM - Exactly like  in A


I shall explain the sequence in which the Adavu is done according to the Chollu given initially.

• A - on the right side
• B - on the left side
• C - on the right side
• C - on the left side
• B  - on the right side
• A - on the left side

The purpose of this is that the dancer will be able to perform the Adavu effortlessly in any sequence as per requirement. Be it AAA or ABC or CBA etc.

SAMISHRAM-VI or FINISHING ADAVU -II

Chollu: THLANKU DHINA THOM
              THARIKITA  THLANKU DHINA THOM  
              THLANKU DHINA THARIKITA  DHINA THOM
              THLANKU DHINA THARIKITA  DHINA THOM
              THARIKITA  THLANKU DHINA THOM
              THLANKU DHINA THOM

Starting Posture: Sit in Aramandi posture with right hand near chest holding Hamsasya and left hand on the waist.

Just like the previous Theermanam, this Adavu can also be performed dividing into parts or as a set. I shall explain dividing them into parts as done on the right side.

A) THLANKU DHINA THOM  (THAI DHI THI THAI)

THLANKU (THAI) - Stamp the right leg . Move the right hand in a semi-circular motion from the chest to above the head placed diagonally. Move  body,head and eyes along with the hand. 

DHI NA THOM - Do normal DHI THI THAI with the legs. Move the right hand and place it near the navel while changing from Hamsasya to Ardhachandra (pointing down) .


B)    THARIKITA THLANKU DHINA THOM  (THAI THAI DHI THI THAI)

THARIKITA THLANKU (THAI  THAI ) - Stamp the right leg  and left leg one after the other. Move the right hand in a semi-circular motion from the chest to above the head placed diagonally. Move  body,head and eyes along with the hand. 

DHI NA THOM - Do normal DHI THI THAI with the legs. Move the right hand and place it near the navel while changing from Hamsasya to Ardhachandra (pointing down) .

C)    THLANKU DHINA THARIKITA  DHINA THOM  (THAI THAI THAI DHI THI THAI)

THLANKU DHINA THARIKITA (THAI  THAI THAI)  -  Stamp the right leg  ,then the left leg and again the right leg one . Move the right hand in a semi-circular motion from the chest to above the head placed diagonally. Move  body,head and eyes along with the hand. 

DHI NA THOM - Do normal DHI THI THAI with the legs. Move the right hand and place it near the navel while changing from Hamsasya to Ardhachandra (pointing down) .

I shall explain the sequence in which the Adavu is done according to the Chollu given initially.

• A - on the right side
• B - on the left side
• C - on the right side
• C - on the left side
• B  - on the right side
• A - on the left side

SAMISHRAM-VII or FINISHING ADAVU -III

Chollu: THLANKU DHINA THOM
              THARIKITA  THLANKU DHINA THOM  
              THLANKU DHINA THARIKITA  DHINA THOM
              THLANKU DHINA THARIKITA  DHINA THOM
              THARIKITA  THLANKU DHINA THOM
              THLANKU DHINA THOM

Starting Posture: Sit in Aramandi posture with both hands in Dola .

Just like the previous Theermanam, this Adavu can also be performed dividing into parts or as a set. I shall explain dividing them into parts as done on the right side.

A) THLANKU DHINA THOM  (THAI DHI THI THAI)

THLANKU (THAI) - Stamp the right leg . Move the right hand from Dola position to above the head in line with the nose. Sway the body gracefully from right side to the left side. Head and eyes should follow the right hand. 

DHI NA THOM - Do normal DHI THI THAI with the legs. Bring back the right hand to the previous position . Move the body back to position. Head and eyes should follow the right hand. 


B)    THARIKITA THLANKU DHINA THOM  (THAI THAI DHI THI THAI)

THARIKITA THLANKU (THAI  THAI ) - Stamp the right leg  and left leg one after the other. Move the right hand from Dola position to above the head in line with the nose. Sway the body gracefully from right side to the left side. Head and eyes should follow the right hand. 

DHI NA THOM - Do normal DHI THI THAI with the legs. Bring back the right hand to the previous position . Move the body back to position. Head and eyes should follow the right hand. 

C)    THLANKU DHINA THARIKITA  DHINA THOM  (THAI THAI THAI DHI THI THAI)

THLANKU DHINA THARIKITA (THAI  THAI THAI)  -  Stamp the right leg  ,then the left leg and again the right leg one .Move the right hand from Dola position to above the head in line with the nose. Sway the body gracefully from right side to the left side. Head and eyes should follow the right hand. 

DHI NA THOM - Do normal DHI THI THAI with the legs. Bring back the right hand to the previous position . Move the body back to position. Head and eyes should follow the right hand. 

These are just a few finishing Adavus. Numerous combinations of Theermanams are possible. For e.g. One can combine the 3rd Thaganam with the above Adavus and make Theermanam sequence.  

Mohiniyattam Adavus - Samishrams or Vakrams (1 to 4)

After all the sets of Adavus of ending with "Ganam", we go on to the most complex set of Adavus known as the Vakram or Samishram.  The literal meaning of the word Vakram  is curve and Samishram means medley. These Adavus are a mixture of the previous Adavus we learnt and plenty of flowing movements are involved. These Adavus are slightly complicated yet extremely graceful at the same time. These have no specific numbers . Amma had choreographed 6 of them. Various dancers have choreographed and added to the Samishram repertoire . 

SAMISHRAM-I

Chollu: THAAM THARITHA DHINA DHEEM DHIMITHA DHINA

Starting Posture: Sit in Aramandalam with both near the chest holding Hamsasya. Eyes in Samam

THAAM - Keep the right leg onto the right side on the heels in Aramandalam. Body should be bend to the right side. Right hand should move & change from Hamsasya to Ardhachandra by moving in a circular motion from the chest placing it in front of the right knee. Eyes should follow the right hand.

THARITHA DHINA - Move to the right side placing the left leg in front of the right leg(Right leg should be on the toes). Right hand will be in Hamsasya in front of the chest and the left hand will change from Hamsasya to Ardhachandra moving a slight semi-circular motion from the chest to the left side above the head. Body should be slanted towards the left side and head should be facing the left hand. 

DHEEM - Circle the left hand from above the head and bring near the chest changing from Ardhachandra to Hamsasya. Move body, head and eyes along with the left hand.

DHIMITHA DHINA - Come back to starting posture and sit down properly in Aramandalam.

The entire Adavu is then repeated on the left side.

SAMISHRAM-II

Chollu: THAAM THARITHA DHINA DHEEM DHIMITHA DHINA

Starting Posture: Sit in Aramandalam with both near the chest holding Hamsasya. Eyes in Samam

THAAM  - Change right hand to Ardhachandra and move in a semi-circular manner from in front of the chest .  Stretch the right leg to the right side

THARITHA DHINA  - Move right hand under the left hand and bring it back near the chest while changing to Hamsasya. Drag left leg and move in a semi circular motion in front of the right leg.

DHEEM DHIMITHA DHINA - Exactly like 5th THAGANAM on the right side.

THAAM  - Change left hand to Ardhachandra and move in a semi-circular manner from in front of the chest .  Stretch the left leg to the left side

THARITHA DHINA  - Move left hand under the right hand and bring it back near the chest while changing to Hamsasya. Drag right leg and move in a semi circular motion behind the right leg.

DHEEM DHIMITHA DHINA - Exactly like 5th THAGANAM on the left side.

• In this Adavu, THAAM THARITHA DHINA DHEEM DHIMITHA DHINA is repeated 4 times. First two are done like mentioned above. 
• The 3rd one is  similar to the 1st one except that at THAAM THARITHA DHINA the dancer moves in front with her body turned slightly to the left.
• The 4th one is  similar to the 2nd one except that at THAAM THARITHA DHINA the dancer moves back with her body turned slightly to the left.

The entire Adavu is then repeated on the left side.

SAMISHRAM-III

Chollu: THANKITA THATHTHI THARIKITA DHIMITHAKA 
                   THLONKU THLANKU THATHIMKINA
Starting Posture: Sit in Aramandalam with both the hands about 6 inches to the left of the chest holding Mushti. Bend towards the left side. Eyes should be looking down on the left side.

THANKITA THATHTHI - While remaining at starting posture, stamp right leg twice.

 THARIKITA - Stretch right leg to the right side diagonally.Move body to the right side. Change both hands from Mushti to Tripathaka , place in front of the chest with right palm facing up and left palm facing down.  Eyes look at the right side.

DHIMITHAKA - Remaining in the previous position, stamp the left leg.

THLONKU  -  Move body from right side to left side. Also turn both hands with left palm facing up and right palm facing down. Keep right leg in Swasthikam behind left leg. Eyes and head face the left side.

THLANKU - Remaining in the previous position, stamp the left leg.

THATHIM - Stamp right leg and turn both hands with right palm facing up and left palm facing down. Eyes and head are on the right side.

KINA - Stamp left leg and turn both hands with left palm facing up and right palm facing down. Eyes and head are on the left side.

The entire Adavu is repeated on the left side.

SAMISHRAM-IV

Chollu: THANKITA THATHTHI THARIKITA DHIMITHAKA 
                   THLONKU THLANKU THATHIMKINA
Starting Posture: Sit in Aramandalam with right hand in front of the chest holding Pathaka and left hand holding Dola .Bend towards the left side. Eyes should be looking down on the left side.

THANKITA THATHTHI - While remaining at starting posture, stamp right leg twice.

THARIKITA - Stretch right leg to the right side diagonally.Move body to the right side. Change right hand from Pathaka to Tripathaka in a semi circular motion above the head. Eyes and head will follow the right hand.

DHIMITHAKA - The hand should keep moving and stamp the left leg.

THLONKU - Move the right hand above the head. Keep right leg in Swasthikam behind left leg. Eyes and head should follow the right hand. Body should be slanted to the left side.

THLANKU - Remaining in the previous position, stamp the left leg.

THATHIMKINA - Bring the right to Dola on the right side. Stamp right leg twice and body is slanted to the right side.

This is an extremely graceful Adavu and hence the hand & body should move with fluidity. 

The entire Adavu is repeated on the left side.

Mohiniyattam Adavus - Dhaganams (1 to 4)

Now that we have learnt and practised all the 6 Jaganams, we shall now go on to the next set of Mohiniyattam Adavus called the "Dhaganams". Like mentioned before, Dhaganams are adavus which begins with the syllable 'Dh". These are 4 in number. 

DHAGANAM-I

Chollu: DHIKIDHINNAM THADINAM

Starting Posture: Sit in Aramandalam with the Pathaka on the right hand and Hamsasya on the left hand (Both hands near the chest). Eyes in Samam

DHIKI - Body remains in the starting posture but lift the right leg and stamp. Eyes should be looking at the hands near the chest.

DHI - Body remains in the starting posture. Lift the right leg and take a step in front on the heel all the while looking at the hands.

NNAM - Place the left leg next to the right and sit in Aramandi. Hands and eyes remaining in the same position as above.

THA - Stretch right leg to the right side on the heel. Move the hand in a circular motion while changing from Hamsasya to Ardhachandra and place it opposite the right knee with index finger pointing down. Body should be bent to the right side.

DINAM - Bring back both hand and leg to the original position but the right hand should be in Hamsasya. Eyes should look straight.

DHAGANAM-II

Chollu: DHANUTHANUMTHARI DHITHTHATHANUMTHARI

Starting Posture: Sit in Aramandalam holding Hamsasya on both hands near the chest. Eyes in Samam. 

DHA - Take a step to the right side by keeping the right leg to the right side . Swing the right wrist in a semi-circular motion (opens to Tripathaka) to the right side till the palm faces down. Body is slanted to the left side . Head follow the right hand.  Eyes should be looking at right corner down.

NUTHA - Place the front of the left leg right behind the right leg  . Swing the right wrist in a semi-circular motion  back to the original position till the palm faces up. Body is slanted to the right side. Head  follow the right hand. Eyes should be looking at left corner up.

NUM -  Same as DHA

THARI - Come back to starting posture by the placing the left leg next to the right left sitting in Aramandi. The right hand should circle around the wrist while changing back to Hamsasya. Eyes should follow the circular movement of the right hand.

DHAGANAM-III

Chollu: DHANUTHANUMTHARI DHITHTHATHANUMTHARI

Starting Posture: Sit in Aramandalam. Keep both hands in front of the chest in Tripathaka with the right palm facing down with its fingers over the left fingers whose palms are facing up. The elbows are placed in oval shape.

DHA - Raise the right leg in level with left knee at a distance while in changing the posture to Kalmandalam. Stamp the left leg with the heel. Eyes and body are in Samam.

NUTHA - Keep the right leg down a little away from the left leg

NUM - Place the toes of the left leg behind the right leg

THARI - Move the right leg again slightly away from the left leg and keep it on the floor towards the right corner. The right hand should be placed parallel to the right thigh near the chest with the palm facing up and the left hand at the same position with the palm facing down.

At NUMTHARI both the hands should change from the starting position to the final position gradually . Body and eyes should also move in accordance to the movement of the right hand during the course of the Adavu. 

DHITHTHATHANUMTHARI -The entire Adavu is repeated on the left side .

DHAGANAM-IV

Chollu: DHANUTHA DHAJANUTHA DHAJANUTHA THADHIMITHA

Starting Posture : Sitting in Aramandalam firmly, hold Tripathaka  in both hands in front of the chest in an oval shape palms facing inside.

DHA - Sit in Aramandalam bending slightly forward to the right . The hands are above the head with the palms facing inside. Eyes should be looking at left corner down.

NUTHA - Stretch the left leg to the left corner while changing the posture to Kalmandalam. The palms should turn and face outside . Eyes should look at the hands.

This entire Adavu is done 4 times. Twice on the right side at DHANUTHA DHAJANUTHA and tiwce on the left at DHAJANUTHA THADHIMITHA.

While moving to the left from right and vice-versa, the body should move gracefully in a semi-circular motion.

Mohiniyattam Adavus -Jaganams (5 and 6)

Now we shall go on to the last of the Jaganams. These are quite different from the previous 4.

JAGANAM - V

Chollu: JAGAMTHAKITHTHAGATHI NAKAMTHAKITHTHAGATHI 
              JAGAMTHAKITHTHAGATHI NAKAMTHAKITHTHAGATHI

Starting Posture: Right hand is stretched to the right side with palms facing up and left hand is held near the chest with palm facing down ( Both hands - Tripathaka ). Head and eyes are turned to the right side.

JAGAM - Turn to the right side and place the right foot forward with the body at the starting posture and then place the left foot forward while turning the right palm down and left palm facing up. At this juncture, the head should turn and face the audience i.e.  above the left hand looking straight ahead. 

THAKITHTHA - Place the right foot forward while turning the left palm down and right palm facing up(Just like the starting posture).Head and eyes should turned towards the right hand. 

GATHI - Turn the body to the left side while stretching the left hand to the left side with palm facing up and right hand is placed near the chest with palm facing down . Knees are slightly bend and heels are close to each other . Head and eyes are turned to the left.

NAKAM - Keeping body straight, place the left foot forward with both hands in the same position as GATHI and then place the right foot forward while turning the left palm down and right palm facing up. At this juncture, the head should turn and face the audience i.e.  above the right hand looking straight ahead. 

THAKITHTHA - Place the left foot forward while turning the right palm down and left palm facing up.Head and eyes should turned towards the left hand. 

GATHI - Turn the body in front while stretching the right hand in front with palm facing up and left hand is placed near the chest with palm facing down . Knees are slightly bend . Head and eyes are facing front towards the audience.

JAGAM - While facing forward, place the right foot forward , turn the right palm down and left palm up  and then place the left foot forward while turning the right palm up and left palm facing down.  All this while eyes are looking straight ahead in Samam and head slightly tilts from right to left while taking both the steps.

THAKITHTHA - Place the right foot forward while turning the right palm down and left palm facing up. Head and eyes should tilt slightly to the right.

GATHI - Sit in Aramandalam with both heels touching with right palm still facing down and left palm up. Body should be tilted slightly to the left and eyes should be looking straight.

NAKAM - Move back placing the left foot while turning the right palm up and left palm facing down. Then place the right foot behind while turning the right palm down and left palm facing up.  All this while eyes are looking straight ahead in Samam and head slightly tilts from right to left while taking both the steps.

THAKITHTHA - Place the left foot behind while turning the right palm up and left palm facing down. Head and eyes should tilt slightly to the right. 

GATHI - Turn the body to the right side and come to starting posture. 

JAGANAM - VI

Chollu: JAGAJAGAJAM THITHTHA 

Starting Posture :  Both hands are stretched forward in oval shape with the right fingers placed above the left fingers. Eyes and head in Samam.

JAGAJAGAJAM - In Kalmandalam, on the toes move to the right side placing the right foot at JA,  left foot at GA, again he right foot at JA,  left foot at GA, right and left foot at JAM. Hence taking 6 small steps to the right while facing front.

THITHTHA  - Sit in Aramandalam while placing  the right foot on the heel  and stamping the left foot slightly away from the right foot .  Bring the right near the shoulder and place it parallel to the right foot with the palm facing up. Stretch the left hand to the left side diagonally with the palm facing down. Eyes should be looking at the right hand.

 After the Chollu, there is a small silent pause of 2 syllables "Thaka" . At this juncture, eyes alone should turn and look at the left hand.

With this we come to the end of Jaganams. Soon we shall move on to the next set of Adavus called the Dhaganams.

Mohiniyattam Adavus -Jaganams (1 to 4)

 

Now that we have learnt and practised all the 14 Thaganams, we shall now go on to the next set of Mohiniyattam Adavus called the "Jaganams". Like I've mentioned before, Jaganams are adavus which begins with the syllable 'Ja". These are 6 in number. Please be noted that Tripathaka is constant in all the Jaganam Adavus.

JAGANAM - I

Chollu: JAGAMTHANAM THARINAGAM THANAMTHARI

Starting Posture: Sit in Aramandalam with the right hand stretched to the side palming facing up and left hand near the chest palm facing down. (Both hands -Tripathaka)

JAGAMTHA - Turn the right foot to the right side without lifting the heel. Eyes should be looking straight above the right hand. 

NAM THARI - Bring the right foot to the original position again without lifting the heel. Eyes and face should be facing in front. Right palm turns and faces down. Left palm turns and faces up.

NAGAM THA - Stretch the left hand to the left side(palm facing up) and bring the right hand(palm facing down)near the chest.Turn the left foot to the left side without lifting the heel. Eyes should be looking straight above the left hand.

NAMTHARI - Bring the left foot to the original position again without lifting the heel. Eyes and face should be facing in front. Left palm turns and faces down. Right palm turns and faces up.

JAGANAM - II

Chollu: JAGAMTHANAM THARI KUMTHARI THA - NAGAM THANAMTHARI KUMTHARI THA

Starting Posture: Sit in Aramandalam with the right hand stretched to the side palming facing up and left hand near the chest palm facing down. (Both hands -Tripathaka)

JAGAMTHANAM THARI - Like the 1st Jaganam

KUMTHARI - Raise the right hand slightly , get up and then sit in Mukhalmandalam and turn around to the left side. Eyes must follow the right hand.

THA - Raise the leg slightly and keep it back in the original position. Eyes should be in Samam.

NAGAM THANAMTHARI KUMTHARI THA - The entire Adavu is repeated on the left side.

JAGANAM - III

Chollu: JAGAMTHANAM THARI KUMTHARI THA - NAGAM THANAMTHARI KUMTHARI THA

Starting Posture: Sit in Aramandalam with the right hand stretched to the side palming facing up and left hand near the chest palm facing down. (Both hands -Tripathaka)

JAGAMTHANAM THARI - Like the 1st Jaganam

KUM - Place the right foot near behind the left foot on the toes . The right hand is moved in a concave arched motion slowly. 

THARI - Stamp the left foot slightly. Hands start moving up above the head.

THA - Stamp the right leg and come to Aramandalam position, placing the right hand above the head with palm facing up. Eyes should be looking at hand. Body should be slanted slightly to the left.

NAGAM THANAMTHARI KUMTHARI THA - The entire Adavu is repeated on the left side.

During the entire Adavu, eyes must follow the hand that is moving in the concave motion.

JAGANAM - IV

Chollu: JAGAMTHANAM THARI KUMTHARI THA

Starting Posture:  Muzhumandalam with both hands holding Tripathaka facing down near the chest

JAGAMTHA - Sit in Muzhumandalam with both hands holding Tripathaka facing down near the chest and slowly start stretching out the hands in a semi - circular motion. 

NAM THARI -  Get up quickly from Muzhumandalam onto right leg placed diagonally in front to the right side bending the right knee while the left leg is stretched back diagonally on the toes and knees straight. Right hand should be stretched diagonally in front on the right side slightly above the head and left hand should be stretched diagonally backwards placed  above the left leg below the waist. Both hand hold changes to Hamsasya. Body and eyes should follow the movement of the right hand .

THARI KUMTHARI THA - The entire Adavu is repeated on the left side.

This Adavu is also known as the Shalabham Adavu . Shalabham means "butterfly". The hands of the dancer moves gracefully like wings of a butterfly, hence the name "Shalabham"".

The last 2 Jaganams are slightly different from the above 4. The above 4  are considered to be of the same series. Hence the last series of Jaganams shall be published in the next post. 

Mohiniyattam Adavus - Thaganam (11 to 14)

Now we shall go on the last set of Thaganams.

THAGANAM-XI 

Chollu: THA THTHAI THAIYUM THATHTHA DHITHITHTHAI

Starting Posture: Aramandalam posture. Right hand in Hamsasya  in front of the chest and left hand on the hip.

THA - Stretch the right leg diagonally in front and keep on the heels. Simultaneously stretch the right hand diagonally above the right leg in Ardhachandra with palm facing up. Body should be slanted to the right side and eyes should also look to the right side.

THTHAI - Right leg should come back and be placed near the left leg on the toes.Bring back the hand to the chest and place it there in Hamsasya. Eyes should move from right to left diagonally in front . Body should remain slanted to the right side.

THAIYUM - Standing in Kalmandalam, raise the right leg slightly in front of the left knee and turn around on the heel of the left leg. Right hand should also change to Ardhachandra and be placed in front of the waist. 

THATHTHA - Come back to Aramandalam after turning around.

DHI-THI-THTHAI - Leg like 3rd Thaganam but done diagonally. At DHI & THI right hand is above the head in Hamsasya. Body is slanted slightly to the right .At THTHAI bring back the hand in front of the navel changing to Ardhachandra. Body is straight.   Eyes should follow the hand and then look straight at the end.

The entire Adavu is then repeated on the left side.

THAGANAM-XII 

Chollu: THA THTHAI  THI THTHAI THAIYUM THAIYUM 

Starting Posture: Aramandalam posture. Boths hand in Hamsasya  in front of the chest .

THA - Stretch right leg to the right side on the heel. Move the hand in a circular motion while changing from Hamsasya to Ardhachandra and place it opposite the right knee with index finger pointing down. Body should be bent to the right side.

THTHAI - Bring back both hand and leg to the original position. Eyes should look straight.

THI - Same as above THA

THTHAI - Same as above THTHAI

THAI - Raise both legs onto the heels while sitting in Aramandalam. Both hands should turn from Hamsasya to Ardhachandra pointing down near the navel. Eyes should look at the hands

YUM - Place both legs in original position and change both hands to Hamsasya placing them near the chest.

THAIYUM - Same as above THAI YUM

The entire Adavu is then repeated on the left side.

THAGANAM-XIII 

Chollu: THA THTHAI  THI THTHAI THOM THTHAI NAM THTHAI

Starting Posture: Aramandalam posture. Boths hand in Hamsasya  in front of the chest .

THA - Stretch right leg to the right side on the heel. Move the hand in a circular motion while changing from Hamsasya to Ardhachandra and place it opposite the right knee with index finger pointing down. Body should be bent to the right side.

THTHAI - Bring back both hand and leg to the original position. Eyes should look straight.

THI - Repeat above THA on the left.

THTHAI - THTHAI - Bring back both hand and leg to the original position. Eyes should look straight.

THOM - Raise the legs keeping the right leg just in front of the left leg which is in Swasthikam. Right hand should change to Ardhachandra with the palms facing up. It should be placed slightly above the head ,diagonally in front with the elbow bent. Body should be bent to the right side slightly.. Eyes should look at the right hand.

THTHAI - Bring back both hand and leg to the original position. Eyes should look straight.

NAM - Repeat above THOM on the left side.

THTHAI - Bring back both hand and leg to the original position. Eyes should look straight.

The entire Adavu is then repeated on the left side.

THAGANAM-XIV

Chollu: THAIYYATHA DHRUKUTHAKA THADHIKINATHOM

Starting Posture: Aramandalam posture. Boths hand in Hamsasya  in front of the chest .

THAI - Stretch right leg to the right side on the heel. Move the hand in a circular motion while changing from Hamsasya to Ardhachandra and place it opposite the right knee with index finger pointing down. Body should be bent to the right side.

YATHA -Bring back both hand and leg to the original position. Eyes should look straight

DHRUKU - Raise both legs onto the heels while sitting in Aramandalam. Both hands should turn from Hamsasya to Ardhachandra pointing down near the navel. Eyes should look at the hands

THAKA -Place both legs in original position and change both hands to Hamsasya placing them near the chest.

THA - Place the right leg diagonally in front on the heel. Move the hand in a circular motion while changing from Hamsasya to Ardhachandra and place it in between the knee and the foot. Body should be slanted diagonally.

DHI-KI-NA-THOM -  Stamp left leg at DHI, right leg at KI,again left leg at NA and right leg at THOM. The hand should come back to original position slowly & gracefully in a semi-circular motion . At THOM hand and body will be back at the starting position. Eyes and body should follow the movement of the hand.