Mystic significance
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A look at S. Rajam’s calendar with reference to November and December.
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For November.
The almanac (Melakarta Calendar) that musician-musicologist and artist S. Rajam has created captures the ragas and their relevance to the months. The description beneath is for the months of November and December. (For earlier months refer to Friday Review dated May16 and August 16.)
Music chakra 8 is Vasu indicating the eight celestial beings (Devas) pictured in the inset as stars (Aapa, Dhruva, Soma, Dava, Pratyusha, Anila, Anala, Prabhasa). It encompasses mela ragas 43 – 48 (Gavambhodi, Bhavapriya, Subhapanthuvarali, Sadvidhamargini, Suvarnangi, Divyamani). The artist has depicted the Ashtadikpalakas – Indira (East, for pleasure), Agni (South-East, for energy), Yama (South, signifying death), Niruddhi (South-West, signifying war), Varuna (West, Ocean), Vaayu (North-west, Air), Kubera (North, Wealth) and Isana (North-East, Knowledge),Vedic demi gods who govern the directions.
Use of colour
The energies illustrated relate to various emotions highlighted by the use of colour — Fear of Death in War and Love of Wealth. Isana is considered one of the earliest forms of Lord Siva. Accordingly, Lord Shiva’s attributes are emphasised — Nandi (Vahana), serpent around his neck, matted locks and the Himalayas in the background.
The throat chakra deals with our ability to communicate and express our creativity. The colour blue lights up this month along with the semi-precious Blue topaz stone.
DECEMBER: Music chakra 9 is Brahma, inclusive of mela ragas 49-54 (Dhavalambari, Namanarayani, Kamavardhani, Ramapriya, Gamanasrama, Viswambari), and carries a mythological reference to the nine cycles of the universe, each presided over by one Brahma. With due reference to Venkatamakhi’s observations, the artist has depicted the nine sages – Athiri, Angirasa, Brigu, Daksha, Kasyapa, Pulaha, Maarichi, Vasishta and Pulasthaya.
The dark blue-grey background is a particularly effective background for the sober hues chosen to illustrate the Rishis. A perusal reveals each Rishi to be engaged in a different activity relating to the daily routine (Nitya Anushtana) both written in text and unwritten, from dawn to dusk such as grinding sandalwood paste, Arghya, Sandhyavandana and Tapas. Aspects to note include minute details of accoutrements — drapery, animal skins used for meditation, kamandala and scripture reeds.
This month focuses on the Brow or Third eye chakra positioned slightly above the eyes in the centre of the forehead. This signifies the core of concentration and the point through which psychic energy enters our bodies. The vibrant colour royal Purple and the Amethyst stone are indicated.
LALITHAA KRISHNAN
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