Mahishasura Mardhini - A Kuchipudi Dance Ballet: Events in Hyderabad

The Trinity had summoned all their powers to rid the world of evil. Tragically, they never seem enough.

To help its charity projects, the Rotary Club of Secunderabad Cantonment, in association with Kuchipudi Nrityalaya, is presenting a Kuchipudi dance ballet Mahishasura Mardhini, on 2nd May, at the Ravindra Bharathi auditorium. The 90-minute ballet is based upon the mythological story of Goddess Durga destroying the demon Mahishasura.

The 10-scene act begins with Mahisha, an asura (demon), who has undertaken extraordinary austerities that even the gods can no longer defeat him. In successive battles, the gods lose the 3 worlds to Mahisha's superior might. Unable to bear his tyranny, they then plead with Vishnu to annihilate the demon.

The Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Maheswara (Shiva) come together to create a powerful female form with 10 arms - Goddess Durga or Mahamaya, the Mother of the Universe - who embodies the primeval source of all power. Armed like a warrior, the goddess rides a lion to battle with Mahishasura. After a fierce combat, the goddess slays the asura with her trident, thus saving the universe, restoring the Cosmic Order and earning the title "Mahishasura Mardhini".

Disciples of Padmabushan Dr. Vempati Chinna Satyam - Dr. Seetha Vuppala and Natya Kalaratna Pasumarthy Venkateswara Sarma (along with his disciples) - are all part of the ballet.

Please contact 98851-8006 for further details.