Satyabhama, one of the most beloved characters in the Kuchipudi repertoire, takes the audience a roller coaster of emotions through the course of her narration.
Bhama Kalapam, written by Siddendra Yogi in the 13th century, is the narrative of Satyabhama describing herself and her undying love for her Lord Krishna. As she claims to be one of the 16,000 wives of Lord Krishna and the daughter of King Satrajrjit, she is incredibly proud of her legacy and distinctly shows off her long braid. She is the perfect combination of proud, naive, bubbly, dramatic, emotional, loyal and royal.
Behind the Veil
The Kalapam starts with the ‘Pravesha Daruvu’, or the character introduction. Satyabhama enters behind a long veil to address the audience and draws attention to her looks, braid and status.
After her dramatic introduction, Satyabhama finds Madhavi, a fictional character who acts as her handmaiden and asks her if she has seen her Lord (Krishna) anywhere. Madhavi knowingly teases her, pretending like she doesn’t know who her Lord is, and asks Satyabhama to describe him. As Satyabhama describes his features, Madhavi finally asks Satyabhama to say her Lord’s name.
‘ Avva! Inthoto aadavarilo, inthati magavaarilo, Satyabhama, magani peruni cheppindante, siggukaadate?’
‘Oh my! Amongst all these ladies and gentlemen, how am I, Satyabhama, to utter a man’s name? I cannot as I am incredibly shy! ’
Loyal and Royal
Satyabhama then goes on to explain in ‘Siggayeno Yamma Daruvu’ that since she was a child, she has always been shy, thus, she will not utter her husband’s name. This is indicative of the culture from back in the day, as wives would not say their husband’s names in public out of loyalty and respect.
Madhavi then tries to figure out why the Lord has left Satyabhama. Satyabhama says that in their chambers, the Lord had asked to stand in front of the mirror and asked, of the two of them, who is the most beautiful. Satyabhama is quick to state that she is obviously the most beautiful. Upon hearing this, the Lord immediately left out of discontent, leaving Satyabhama to reflect on her inconsiderate actions. In the 'Madana Daruvu', Satyabhama explains the separation from the Lord as unbearable and feels the pain from Manmatha’s (Cupid’s) arrows piercing her as she realizes her love for the Lord.
In the Name of Love
Out of desperation, Satyabhama pleads Madhavi to do whatever she can to bring back the Lord. Madhavi hints that she might be able to, but needs something in return for her efforts. Satyabhama says she will give up her ‘Yedu Vaarala Nagalu’ (Jewelry for all 7 days of the week), including her nose ring, which is incredibly significant because of its symbolism to a woman’s married status.
As she gives everything away to Madhavi, she also sits down to write a ‘Lekha’, or letter to the Lord where she requests him to come back to her. She goes through various levels of emotions from eagerness to see him again to wallowing in her own sadness as she realizes how much she misses him.
‘Srimad Rathnakara Putrika…..’
Once she hands the letter to Madhavi, she immediately goes and checks all the auspicious signs, described through ‘Shakunaalu Daruvu’, to make sure Madhavi will be successful in her attempt. Satyabhama notices the thunder and lightning from the north direction, indicating that rain is on the way, the two Pandits who are on their way to conduct a wedding, and the two friends who are carrying buttermilk. She deems these as all auspicious signs and sends Madhavi on her way.
The Snapshot
The main concept behind BhamaKalapam is the union between self and the ‘paramatma’, or the Supreme self. Satyabhama represents ‘self’ and Lord Krishna represents the ‘Supreme Self’. The veil that Satyabhama enters behind represents ego and Madhavi helps to remove Satyabhama’s ego by helping her to reflect upon her relationship with Lord Krishna. BhamaKalapam encapsulates the many emotions of Satyabhama on her quest to rid her ego and bringing back her Lord. The description provided here is merely a snapshot of the entire narrative.
Find the 'Pravesha Daruvu' and 'Siggayenammo Daruvu' here performed for Sunday Sadhana hosted by Tandavam Events
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