On Looking Into the "Vandanamu Raghu nandana" Song

On Looking into the “Vandanamu Raghu-nandana” Song

vandanamu (1) = sincere praise, expressing heartfelt gratitude, salutation, saluting with folded hands, paying respects, పూజ, ప్రశంస, స్తోత్రము, ప్రణామము, నమస్కారము; raghu nandana = offspring of the Raghu dynasty; (nandana = son in Sanskrit language) setu bandhana = bridge over the ocean; bhakta = devotee('s); chandana = sandalwood, provides soothing or respite, cool to touch; (The name of Rama itself relieves the stress and provides soothing to the devotee)

Sridama = Kubera, The One endowed with rich qualities (Sri + Da); natO = with me; vaadamaa = argument with me? Do You have a dispute with me? nE = I; bhEdama = difference, difference of opinion; Srirama = Lakshmi; hRut+chara = heart’s clutches, imprisoned in the heart; mamu = us; brOva = protect;bhaaramaa = is it a burden? is it difficult or strenuous? Raayabaaramaa = a missive, communication sent by a messanger(?); vinTini = I’ve heard, the bow; nammu konTini = believed, put total trust; SarananTini = I’ve sought refuge; rammanTini = welcomed you (Rama), asked you to come; ODanu = I do not get defeated, vanquished, do not surrender; bhakti = faith, sincere devotion, unwavering trust in Sri Rama; vIDanu = I’ll not desert, will not give up; (n)orula = others; vEDanu = will not seek the help of, will not ask others; (j)chUDanu = will not look at; kammani = tasty, pleasing to the tongue; viDemu = pan, a mouth refreshing item made with betel leaves, lime, and other aromatic spices(తాంబూలం, కిళ్ళీ); immani = please give me, bestow on me; varamu = a boon, a blessing; kommani = accept, take; paluka = a word, a verbal response;

kshemamu = safe, everything is in order; divya dhaamamu = celestial abode, adorable home; nitya = daily; niimamu = niyamamu = routine, rule, habit; naamamu = name; 

chuuDumii = look (at us); kaapaaDumii = protect (us); mammu = us; pOdimigaa = fitting, elegantly; kuuDimi = meet, join us; 

vEgaraa = come hurrying, come swiftly; karuNaaSaagaraa = ocean of compassion; hRudaya + aakara = home of heart, abode; (You, i.e., Rama resides in the heart of Tyagaraja) 

“న్యాయమా నీ కాయమా ఇంక 

హేయమా ముని గేయమా రామ” 

Once again this marvelous melodious seemingly innocent composition made me rush into my personal library and hunt down the “Ramayana” for a clarification. Fortunately we have at home a rare hundred-year-old Telugu translation of the original Sanskrit text. It is the ‘Bhaskara Ramayanamu’ originally completed around 14th century (హళక్కి  భాస్కరుడు). In Telugu we have more than six translations of the Valmiki’s metrical poetical Hindu epic. In high school (probably in eighth grade) we had sections from Molla Ramayanamu, it runs in couplets in lucid Telugu. Many thanks to those superbly qualified language teachers who patiently taught us our mother tongue. Not only that they gently prodded us to love our Indian languages and native culture.

There is an interesting incident when Sri Rama meets the exiled king Sugriva. What a strange situation? It almost looks like as if Lord Rama was being interviewed for a job; He had to convince Sugriva through talk and a real demonstration of his archery. He had to cut seven tall standing palm trees with a single arrow.

It seems as though Tyagaraja is saying thus: “Is there any justice here? Rama, you had to pierce and cut the long stems of seven palm trees, just to prove your worth. Isn’t it a disgrace? Isn’t it below the normal etiquette? Do you have to prove your skills or your valor thus to Sugriva? And the sage Valmiki (probably Narada also) had sung this story (this incident) too? Hey, Rama – compared to your difficulties, what are our troubles?” I am glad that I could learn so much about devotion, music, and Telugu with this composition. Copyright 2020 by the author

1. Tyagaraja (Tyagayya, త్యాగరాజు) showed us various ways of praying. It could be any one of these acts (devices):  A song, simple chanting of 'Rama's name', meditation on Sri Rama's form, offering of fragrant flowers, Tulasi leaf, sandalwood paste, or offering of flame (camphor or oil soaked wick).