Shambhavi Saparia

Worship of the Divine Feminine

“Traditional Raditional Bharatnatyam Margam.”

A solo Bharatanatyam recital by Apeksha Niranjan that celebrates the multifaceted essence of Goddess Parvati—divine consort, fierce warrior, nurturing mother, and devoted wife. Through the classical framework of Bharatanatyam Margam, this performance unveils the profound dimensions of the Divine Feminine in Hindu tradition.

The Margam Tradition

Shambhavi Sapariya follows the traditional Bharatanatyam Margam—the classical pathway of presenting dance compositions in a prescribed sequence. “Margam” literally means “path” or “way,” and this time-honored structure takes audiences on a spiritual and aesthetic journey through varying tempos, moods, and expressions. Within this classical framework, the performance explores the sacred theme of Parvati worship, making ancient mythology come alive through movement and emotion.

The Meaning: Worship of Parvati

The title Shambhavi Sapariya derives from two Sanskrit words: Shambhavi (Goddess Parvati) and Sapariya (worship). This recital is an act of devotion, an artistic offering that honors the goddess in her myriad manifestations—each revealing different aspects of her divine power and human grace.

Parvati in Her Many Forms

The Divine Consort –The performance portrays Parvati as the wife of Lord Nataraja, the cosmic dancer, and as Shiva Kama Sundari—the beautiful beloved of Lord Shiva. Here lies a fascinating paradox: how does a goddess navigate life with a husband who is the ultimate ascetic, a great Yogi detached from worldly pleasures? Through expressive abhinaya, the recital explores this tender, complex relationship—showing Parvati’s devotion, patience, and her unique ability to connect with the divine while maintaining her earthly bond.

The Fierce Warrior –As Mahishasura Mardini, Parvati transforms into the formidable warrior goddess who vanquishes the buffalo demon. This section showcases the fierce, protective aspect of the Divine Feminine—the shakti (power) that destroys evil and restores cosmic balance.

The Nava Durga: Nine Sacred Forms –A highlight of the recital is the depiction of Nava Durga—the nine forms of Goddess Durga worshipped during the festival of Navratri. Each form represents a distinct manifestation of divine energy, celebrated on successive days:
1.Shailaputri
2.Brahmacharini
3.Chandraghanta
4.Kushmanda
5.Skandamata
6.Katyayani
7.Kaalratri
8.Mahagauri
9.Siddhidatri
Through intricate choreography, the performance brings these nine sacred forms to life, each with its unique iconography and spiritual significance.

The Nurturing Mother

Perhaps the most touching dimension is Parvati seen through human eyes—as the mother of Lord Ganesha and Lord Kartikeya. How does the Divine Mother relate to her children? What emotions, joys, and concerns does she experience? This section humanizes the goddess, making her relatable and deeply moving, showing that even divine beings embody the tenderness and complexity of motherhood.

Artistic Lineage

The compositions in this recital have been learned from two distinguished gurus: Guru Dr. Sucheta Chapekar, who choreographed the majority of the pieces, and Dr. Alka Lajmi, who contributed additional compositions. This dual lineage brings richness and depth to the performance, blending different choreographic sensibilities within the traditional framework.

Innovation within Tradition

While Shambhavi Sapariya adheres to the classical Margam structure, it brings an innovative perspective by depicting Goddess Parvati through multiple lenses simultaneously—as deity, warrior, wife, and mother. This multidimensional portrayal reveals the fullness of the feminine divine, showing how strength and gentleness, transcendence and earthly connection, fierceness and nurturing all coexist within the same divine being. The recital demonstrates that traditional forms can carry fresh, thought-provoking interpretations, making ancient mythology relevant and resonant for contemporary audiences.

Performance Journey

Since its premiere in Mumbai in 2015, Shambhavi Sapariya has captivated audiences across borders, with performances in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and multiple presentations in Mumbai. Each performance offers audiences a profound encounter with the Divine Feminine, presented through the timeless art of Bharatanatyam.