Yakshagana is an ancient theatre art, which is performed in some states of Karnataka and Kerala. The performers of Yakshagana would combine dance, music and drama in a different form. It is believed that this type of art was started during the medieval period. Yakshagana performers would perform wonderful plays from Ramayana, Mahabharata and Bhagavata Purana.
A nice Yakshagana performance consists of a group of musicians who used to deliver good dialogues on the stage. A Yakshagana may run even for several hours based on the interest of the audiences. The actors used to wear traditional costumes and would apply various colours on their face, and with this different outlook, they would look similar to the ancient kings of India. It is also believed that Yakshagana would be regularly performed in the Alagapuri Kingdom, which is considered to be the holy abode of Lord Kubera, the god of wealth and fortunes. Lord Kubera is an ancient demi god, who is the king of the Yakshas, and Yakshas contain the features of the Devas and the Demons, but normally they would never disturb anyone.
It is also mentioned in the Dhruva Mahatmyam, that once the great Bhagavata Dhruva had waged a severe battle with the Yakshas headed by Kubera, since his half-brother Uttama was killed by the Yakshas. Due to his great attachment over Vishnu, Dhruva easily defeated the Yakshas, and when Kubera has sought apology to him, he has accepted, and also went to his palace, listened to the wonderful YakshaGana performed by the Yakshas, and after peacefully staying there for a few days, he took permission from Kubera and went to his kingdom, and righteously ruled over his kingdom for several thousands of years.
The great celestial musicians, Narada and Tumburu are also expert in YakshaGana, and they also occasionally used to visit Alkapuri and would listen to the YakshaGana performance rendered by the Yakshas. Yakshagana is also famously known as Kubera Yakshagana as an act of showing respect to the Yaksha King, Lord Kubera.
“OM SRI LAKSHMIKUBERAYA NAMAHA”
WRITTEN BY
R.HARISHANKAR