Dancing for Siva

It is said the greatest offering to God Siva is our love and gratitude, both of which are embedded in the traditional Bharatanatyam dance, offered for thousands of years in Hindu temples (with about 90 years hiatus when the British colonials banned it). Kadavul Temple and devotees were blessed to have such an offering, performed by Fenulla Jiwani during the alankara. She shopped at the Kapaa Farmers' Market the following day and prepared an Italian pasta dish and fresh salad for the monks.

One of the unique features of her dance is this: the last time she performed it in public was 23 years ago. And she still soared. Enjoy the short slideshow.

The dancer enters meditatively, seeking permission and blessings to perform.

She kneeled at Gurudeva\

s shrine.'

Then at each of the shrines of Ganesha, Muruga and Siva.

Then danced and danced.

Dance filled the chamber: Gurudeva was a dancer, Fenulla is a dancer and Nataraja Himself is dancer and dance.

Paramacharya Sivanathaswami thanks her on behalf of us all.

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