Introduction to Harikatha (Telugu)

Course Aim

 Hari Katha Art form: Harikatha is a traditional artform comprising Narrative singing, enacting and dance elements while a story is narrated. It’s a combination of poetry, drama and philosophy to narrate Hindu Mythological scripts.

This course aims to introduce students to the fundamental principles and practice of HariKatha art form to both aspiring artists and music enthusiasts to gain knowledge of music, performance, expressions and techniques of conveying divine stories. Students get to learn a story and develop a hands-on knowledge of performing a complete presentation of HariKatha.

Course Objectives

  • Main purpose of Harikatha is to instill truth and conduct in people and strengthen the Hindu scriptures knowledge base. 
  • The specialty of this art is that the same person plays displays various aspects of drama, singing, poetry, dance steps while narrating a Hindu mythological story.
  • Demonstrations in temples during festivals show that devotees can attain Kaivalyam by listening to spiritual epic stories with “Shravana” which is the main part of Bhagavad worship through this art.
  • By listening to historical stories, people can learn about the religious harmony society and the survival of democracy and sow seed of devotion. 

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will be able to

  • Learn fundamental aspects of enacting a Harikatha, including playing of basic wood instruments(chekkalu).

  • Develop body and voice as instruments for expressing emotions.

  • Perform monologues with confidence

  •  

    Learn to recite Harikatha and perform in temples and cultural organizations. 

Duration: 15 Weeks – 90 Mins/Week

Course Fees: $450

Certificate: Students will receive certificate of completion. Students enrolled in “For CREDIT’ will also receive TRANSCRIPT.

Classes: Every Tuesday, starting from 28th January, 2025 6PM (PST)

Course Outline

Week 1: Harikatha : Introduction to bhakti Rasa Narrative Singing – In depth analysis of the Evolution, History, Development of this Devotional Art form.

Week 2: The Important aspects of Harikatha: Instruments: Mrudangam; Importantance of Struti; Taala and Laya aspects using Chirutalu; the walk pattern of the performer using foot modulation with Ghungroos; Different aspects of the science and traditions underlying the significance of the above.

Week3: Different arts Styles collaborations: Detailed analysis of the importance of collaborations pertaining to music; instruments; dance; poetry in Performing Hari Katha.

Week 4: Introduction of Sri Adibhatla NarayanaDasu Garu. Parvati Kalyanam: A detailed study for Harikatha.

Week 5: HariKatha – Parvathi Kalyanam -Introduction Prayer; The Introduction of the narrative story in the art form. Introduction of Himavantha Reign during his administrative ruling.

Week 6: Himavantha’s  penance to get Sarvani ‘s grace

Week 7: Sarvani blesses Himavantha- Parvathi Birth.

Week 8: Descriptive narration of Parvathi’s childhood.

Week 9: Introduction Daruvu of Sage Narada; Parvati offering herself to Serve Lord Shiva.

Week 10: Recap of previous weeks learnings; Manmatha’s character intro and his involvement.

Week 11: Lord Siva’s anger on Manmatha; detailed description of Manmatha turning down into ashes from Shiva’s rage. Manamatha’s wife Rati’s agony.

Week 12: Lord Shiva in the Disguise of Erukala form to meet Parvati

Week 13: Penance of Parvati to appease Lord Shiva and get the attention of his love. Lord Shiva appearing in the disguise form of a Brahmachari.

Week 14: Recap of Previous sessions learnings.

Week 15: The true form of Lord Shiva disclosed to Parvati. Kalyanam of Parvathi to Lord Shiva.

Click here to Register
Download Flyer
Watch Promo

Faculty

Padma Shri Awardee   D.UmaMaheshwari

Adjunct Professor

Uma Maheshwari Garu is an accomplished artist of immense talent and is capable of projecting the great cultural heritage of India through her performance of Harikatha. She is an artist of rare abilities, charm and dignity with an all India reputation of being the FIRST WOMAN HARIKATHA ARTIST IN SANSKRIT. Born in 1960 May 21st, in a family of Musicians. She hails from the Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh. Her grandfather Late Sri.D.Pitchihari was a renowned Nadaswaram Vidwan and her Father was the Asthana Vidwan of Vemulawada Raja Rajeshwari Temple of Andhra Pradesh. From early childhood she practiced Classical vocal music. She joined Sri Sarvaraya Harikatha Pathasala of Kapileshwarapuram in the year 1975 and brought up by Sri. S.B.P.B.K. Satyanarayana Rao and Smt.S.B. Raja Rajeshwaramma who are great devoted couple towards fine arts. Very soon Uma made a mark as a Telugu Harikatha artiste inspired her to scale new heights. The motive force and background support came from Sri. S.B.P.B.K. Satyanarayana Rao, the promoter of Sri. Sarvaraya Harikatha Patashala, she has undergone training in Sanskrit Harikathas. Sanskrit is a universal Language and the Indian culture is embedded in its literature. It has also wider reach than Telugu.

Uma gave her first Sanskrit Harikatha performance of “KUMARASAMBHAVAM” at Kalidasa Academy UJJAIN, Madhya Pradesh in 1985. She captured the imagination of all the scholars who gathered there from different parts of the Country and abroad. Since then Uma’s participation in the annual festival of that academy has become a regular feature by performing all Kalidasa’s Kavyas and Dramas in Sanskrit till today.

She is enjoying by performing Harikathas in several Devastanams like Tirumala Tirupathi, Sisailam, Annavaram, Vemulawada etc. and regularly featuring in its festivals and other occasions.

Enrichment Courses

rabby wallet is a secure and user-friendly crypto wallet for DeFi, featuring multi-chain support, seamless dApp integration, and advanced security for safe transactions.