Ajma's Diary

A curated journey through AJMA’s most inspiring cultural milestones a celebration of art, devotion, and the countless moments that shaped our path.

NATARAJAR  THIRUVADIVA NADANAM - 2023

In a ground-breaking event, 220 dancers formed the cosmic shape of Lord Nataraja at Mangalanathaswamy Temple in Uttirakosamangai. This event, held on the occasion of Arudhra, was the World's First of its kind in the History of Indian Classical Dance and has set a new standard for what can be achieved in this art form. The Natarajar Thiruvadiva Nadanam is now an annual tradition, with plans to hold it every Arudhra at Uttirakosamangai.

SADHAYAM 1038

One of AJMA’s most significant achievements, Sadhayam 1038, was held at the historic Thanjavur Big Temple. This monumental event featured 1038 Bharatanatyam artists and Carnatic vocalists, coming together to create a spectacular performance that celebrated the grandeur of Indian classical arts after 13 long years in the sacred premises of Thanjavur Big Temple. The event was a testament to the scale and ambition of AJMA’s projects, as well as its ability to bring together artists from across the country.

MAHASHIVARATHIRI NATYAMOKSHAM

Mahashivratri natyamoksham was a unique event held at two sacred venues: Rameshwaram Ramanathaswamy Temple and Gangaikonda Cholapuram Brihadeeshwara Temple. Featuring 500 artists, this event explored the spiritual connection between dance and divinity, offering audiences a profound experience of how dance can be a pathway to the divine. The four ways to attain the supreme was laid as sariyai, kiriyai, yogam and gnanam which was closes related to the field of dance. The artist represents the structure of the temple’s gopuram(vimanam) to exhibit the relationship between dance and divinity as a Margam(way) to reach God.

NATIYA SENAI - GURUVALAPPAR KOVIL

NATIYA SENAI is an ambitious project aimed at reviving ancient temples through the power of dance. The inaugural event at Guruvalappar Temple in Gangaikonda Cholapuram featured 450 artists adorned as Andal, breathing new life into this ancient temple. The project is a shining example of AJMA’s commitment to preserving and revitalizing cultural heritage through the arts.

RAJA RAJA CHOLAN VIJAYAM

The 1039th Sadhaya Vizha at Thanjavur’s iconic Peruvudaiyar Temple became a dazzling cultural feast orchestrated by AJMA in the name of Rajaraja Cholan Vijayam. Over 700 Bharatanatyam artists graced the event with their artistry, making it a grand tribute to heritage and devotion. Central to the celebration was a Pushpanjali dedicated to Lord Peruvudaiyar, followed by a poetic masterpiece that Honored the Legendary Emperor Rajaraja Cholan. A stunning dance sequence brought to life the imagery of the emperor on his majestic chariot, joyfully reuniting with the people of Thanjavur.

NATARAJAR THIRUVADIVA NADANAM - 2024

At the sacred abode of Arulmigu Mangalanathaswamy Temple in Thiru Uttirakosamangai, Natarajar Thiruvadiva Nadanam emerged as a celestial celebration of Lord Nataraja’s cosmic grace. Organized by AJMA, the event unfolded as a rhythmic offering, capturing the timeless essence of Ananda Tandava. This spiritual spectacle was heightened by original compositions on Aadhi Chidambaram, resonating through the temple with unparalleled devotion and artistic finesse with perfect synchrony, spiritual energy, and artistic brilliance, this performance stood as a symbol of devotion, cultural preservation, and temple revival.

MAAL NRITHYAMAALAI

At the sacred Sri Venkateswara Temple, Kanyakumari (TTD), the Maal Nritya Maalai stood as a vibrant spiritual offering. Over 300 Bharatanatyam dancers and Carnatic vocalists joined hands in a soul-stirring celebration of Lord Venkateswara. The performance unfolded through a thematic margam, beginning with Periyazhvar’s Thirupallandu, followed by Annamacharya’s Adivo Alladivo, Purandara Dasar’s Venkatachalanilayam, and concluding with Andal’s Thiruppavai. In a breathtaking finale, the symbolic opening of the temple doors revealed Lord Venkateswara’s divine form, as all four saints came together in song  - inviting blessings upon the dancers and devotees.

MURUGAN MARGAM - TIRUTTANI

The Art Journey Mentoring Association (AJMA) proudly shares the overwhelming success of Murugan Margam, held on 19th October 2024 at the sacred Subramanya Swami Temple, Tiruttani. This divine celebration of Bharatanatyam brought together the artistry of Young Students and the Guidance of their esteemed Gurus in a heartfelt tribute to Lord Murugan. The temple resonated with devotion and the timeless beauty of classical dance, leaving the audience mesmerized.

THAIPOOSA THIRUVIZHA - SWAMIMALAI

Thaipoosam Thiruvida at the sacred Swamimalai Temple was a resounding success, beautifully Celebrating the Divine Thaipoosam of Lord Muruga. This spiritual festival witnessed the energetic participation of 100+ Bharatanatyam dancers, who performed to a variety of devotional songs, offering their art as pure bhakti at the lotus feet of Lord Muruga. Each performance echoed discipline, devotion, and the timeless grace of Bharatanatyam, transforming the temple atmosphere into a vibrant celebration of dance, culture, and divine energy.

AATKONDANATHAR THIRUNADANAM

AatkondaNaathar Thirunadanam was held at Arulmigu Sivapuram Devi Sametha Aatkondanathar Temple, Iraniyur. With 600 dancers participating, the highlight of the evening was a historic first-ever formation of the sacred Shivalinga shape created while dancing, symbolising unity, devotion, and artistic precision. The event was graced by esteemed academicians as guest of honour, Dr. R. M. Kathiresan (Former Vice Chancellor, Annamalai University), Dr. G. Ravi (Vice Chancellor, Alagappa University), Dr. S. Senthamizh Pavai (HOD, Fine Arts, Alagappa University).

VAJRAVEL NATYAM

In the heart of the Subramanya Swamy Temple, Tiruttani, Vajravel Nadanam lit up the sanctum with electrifying devotion. As part of the “Murugan Margam” series by AJMA, over 500 Bharatanatyam dancers brought alive the valor, compassion, and divinity of Lord Murugan through a series of powerful choreographies. The highlight was the dynamic depiction of the six abodes (Arupadai Veedu), each sequence narrating tales of victory, love, and spiritual surrender. With thundering mridangam beats and soaring hymns, the dancers created a moving garland of rhythm for the Lord of the Spear - Vajra Velan, the eternal warrior.

NATIYA SENAI 2.O

Natiya Senai 2.O brought together Thousands of Bharatanatyam dancers to revive and create awareness for the ancient, lesser-known Vellai Vinayagar Temple in Kumbakonam, ahead of its Maha Kumbabishegam. The event was presided over by Padmashri R. Muthukkannammal, whose timeless contribution to Sathir inspired the gathering. In her honour, 1000 dancers performed Sathir, offering a graceful tribute to her legacy while supporting the restoration of the sacred temple.

RASARASAECHARAM

Rasarasaechcharam celebrated the 1040th Sadhaya Vizha of Raja Raja Chola with a spectacular gathering of 1040 Bharatanatyam dancers. AJMA premiered its first AI short film on the emperor and the architectural marvel of the Brihadeeswara Temple. The event also marked the revival of Chokkam, an ancient desi dance form brought back to life after centuries. A powerful blend of heritage, innovation, and classical art, the event honoured the timeless legacy of the Chola era.

ARUPADAI MURUGA NATYANJALI

This event was a celebration of the Six Abodes of Lord Muruga, featuring performances from over 60 Dance Academies. Natyanjali - ARUPADAI MURUGA was a unique fusion of devotion and artistry, bringing together artists from across the region to pay tribute to Lord Muruga through dance.