PARAM, the celebration of the Ultimate Reality, is a thematic presentation in Bharathanatyam. Param interprets the ultimate realization about the union of the Primal principles, Purusha and Prakruthi; that which is the cause, origin, sustenance and the end of the worlds. Siva, the Cosmic Dancer represents Purusha and Sakthi, His Consort represents Prakruthi.

Life, in its varieties and volume, which reveals itself so wonderfully, is proof  that God does exist. Our scriptures, or Sruthis or 
Smrithis - the Vedas and Upanishads or the Gita - state that God might or might not exist and instill in us a curiosity to pursue the Truth. Even atheists, with all their arguments, agree that at times, uncontrollable situations do happen, that challenge the limits of their lives. Theists identify such actions as those of God's, since our early scriptures clearly state that God does not have a particular form but exists as an omnipresent Supreme Energy. We pray to that Supreme Energy as an Abstract Authority (Param or Paramporul) that is the creator, sustainer and destroyer of this universe.  'Isavasyam idam sarvam'. God is present everywhere and nothing exists separate from  God. 
Our tradition is referred to as Sanathana Dharma, the eternal faith. Hinduism is not a religion, but a set of beliefs and practices, having their roots in the Vedas and Upanishads. It is based on the practice of Dharma, the code of life and believes in one God, who is a timeless and formless entity. Our scriptures assure that these truths are open to anyone who seeks them.

 

Sridevi Nrithyalaya’s PARAM in the Bharathanatya Margam format, conveying that Siva symbolizes the masculine principle - the consciousness and Sakthi the feminine principle - the activating power and energy. The ultimate truth, that only when Siva and Sakthi unite action, movement and creation arise, is  conveyed, for seeking the Sacred.

 

This presentation consists of a Pushpanjali, followed by a Tamizh Keerthanam which conveys that Shiva and Shakti are the Father and Mother of the Universe. The following Swarajathi comprises of verses from Meenakshi Pillai Thamizh showing her stages of growth. The Varnam surrenders to the Lord who bestows ultimate grace to his devotees. Sri Muddhuswamy Dikshtithar’s Krithi on Ardhanareeswara and Sri Muthuthandavar’s Padam Theruvil Vaarano form the latter half of the repertoire. A brisk and mellifluous Thillana concludes the presentation.