Lyrics of "jaya jaya vaishnavi" Song

జయ జయ వైష్ణవి దుర్గే (అంబ) జయ జయ కల్పిత సర్గే
 జయ జయ తోషిత భర్గే (అంబ) జయ జయ కుచ జిత దుర్గే  

1. శ్రీకర సద్గుణ జాలే (అంబ) సిందూర  రంజిత ఫాలే 
పాకశాసన మణి నీలే (అంబ) ప్రాలేయ భూధర బాలే 

2. పాలిత కిసలయ చాపే (అంబ) పార్వతి లోకైక దీపే 
కాళిక కోమల రూపే (అంబ) ఖండిత త్రిభువన తాపే 

3. భక్త జనామర భూజే (అంబ) భాసిత లోక సమాజే 
రక్త మృదుల పాదాంభోజే (అంబ) రంగ దుత్తుంగ వక్షోజే 

4. శంకరి సత్కృపా పూరే (అంబ) సంభృత సన్మణి హారే 
సాంక వలిప్త శరీరే (అంబ) సంగ తాంగ కేయూరే 

5. వీణా వినోదిని గిరిజే (అంబ) విద్రుమ మణి సన్నిభ గిరిజే 
మానిత లోకసమాజే (అంబ) మదన గోపాలక సహజే 

jaya jaya vaishNavi durgae (aMba) jaya jaya kalpita sargae

jaya jaya tOshita bhargae (aMba) jaya jaya kucha jita durgae 

1. Sreekara sadguNa jaalae (aMba) siMdoora ramjita phaalae 
paakaSaasana maNi neelae (aMba) praalaeya bhoodharabaalae 

2. paalita kisalaya chaapae (aMba) paarvati lOkaika deepae 
kaaLika kOmala roopae (aMba) khaMDita tribhuvana taapae 

3. bhakta janaamara bhoojae (aMba) bhaasita lOka samaajae 
rakta mRdula paadaaMbhOjae (aMba) raMga duttuMga vakshOjae 

4. SaMkari satkRpaa poorae (aMba) saMbhRta sanmaNi haarae 
saaMka valipta Sareerae (aMba)  saMga taaMga kaeyoorae 

5. veeNaa vinOdini girijae (aMba)  vidruma maNi sannibha girijae 
maanita lOkasamaajae (aMba) madana gOpaalaka sahajae 

Sarge = creation, swarga; jalE = web, crown; phalE = forehead;

bhujE = kalpa-taruvu, a celestial tree that readily gives boons; 

(It gives me great pleasure to write about this extraordinary composer, Sri Narayana Tirthulu. His origins trace to Andhra Pradesh but he left his footprints across India from Varanasi to a village in Tamil Nadu. If my memory is correct I remember seeing such dance ballet compositions on the stage in my village. We used to have a small ashram run by two ascetic sanyasinis (సన్యాసిని, యోగిని, తపస్విని)  nestled beautifully next to the agricultural feeder canal. The ladies would pick pitchers of fresh water from the canal during early morning hours - thus preserving their spiritual purity, inner chanting, and solemn meditation. They would train the local high school girls in music and dance. Narayana Tirthulu's compositions are quite well known much of south India and Varanasi. There are several versions of this song on the Internet at :YouTube. I liked the voice of Sri Voleti Venkateswarlu and his tune. Here is the link: 

Audio Song Voleti

 I may have to visit this song in detail again sometime to explore its profound meaning. The Devi in Vijayawada comes to my mind while learning this song. In Telugu we fondly refer to this composer as "నారాయణ తీర్థులు". That "lu" is a honorific ending, it means "Sri Narayana Tirtha Sir". Certainly he deserves all the respect. Once the Devi or Lord Krishna appeared to him and fed him "పాయసము" (sweet rice pudding).  It happened when he had to lock himself in a room and avoided contact with the public - thus shunning even the daily alms seeking. Lord Krishna helps his devotees in mysterious ways, no doubt. That was his word in the Gita.) Copyright 2026 by the author

Meaning and the Import of "sthirata nahi nahire" Song

Translating this classic song into English is not easy. I’ve to search and look around for the right word to communicate correctly what the great composer meant exactly. Foremost I humbly bow to my guru and parents. I offer heaps of tree Jasmine (Millingtonia hortensis) flowers at their feet.

O (hapless) mind! How can you get steadiness? There is no way out of distractions. There is no peace. (No easy way out to get peace in life.) 

1. In the mundane world, we humans will come across three principal sources of despair or anxiety. We cannot easily get over them or avoid them, however best we may try. They’ll singe and sear our hearts. These are: a) afflictions (problems) related to the physical (i.e., biological) corporeal body. b) Problems due to the five (earth, fire, wind, water, and sky) material elements. c) Problems that are caused by fate (karma), curse, or an act of ‘devata’. So, the accumulated pain caused by these three types of “burning fire” is limitless like an ocean. If by mistake we let ourselves (or forced into) into this ocean, then there is no chance for tranquility. In such situations the mind cannot stay alert and steady; like a lamp in stormy wind it waves and flickers violently. Further what happens if we add two more elements like pride and ego? Now it is impossible for the mind to get any peace or be steady with courage in such terrible situation. Instances like losing a tooth or getting stuck in a tornado/cyclone do happen in real life. Similarly getting involved in crippling road accidents or drowning in fast moving streams is also a fact of life. 

2. Objects enter into our consciousness through sound, touch, form (shape), taste, and smell (olfactory sense). Such objects (or things) wrap around human consciousness (mind) like powerful ropes or (unbreakable) shackles. O mind, how can such people with entanglements have any tranquility? In such circumstances, how can the mind be calm and steady to focus on prayer, meditation, or any worthwhile endeavor?

What is unnatural or perverse wisdom (cleverness)? Mistaking what is real to be false and believing some thing inherently unreal as real – that is indeed strange; the composer is gently hinting us the core problem. Identifying oneself with the physical body and not recognizing the ‘self’ as the real ‘oneself’ – that is the major blunder in our thinking. We also refer the ‘core self’ as ‘atma’. So, with such distorted thinking, how can we ever have any peace in life? How can the mind find any grip and steadiness in its pursuit? How can it focus?

3. Sri Sadasiva Brahmendra’s Swami’s guru was (is) Sri Parama Sivendra Saraswati (1539 – 1586 A.D.). The last stanza says thus: For those who discard (eschew) the yogic path of Paramahamsa Sivendra Swami, there is no respite in life here on the earth. However great they may be, the earthly carnal pleasures (borne out of the senses) are fleeting; there is no permanence to them. We have such powerful stories like Pururuva and Urvasi. Or, consider the story of Ahalya (wife of king Pradyumna) and Indra (from Yoga Vasistham as expounded by Sri Shanmukha Sarma). So, if one is entrapped in such transient pleasures there will not be peace. O mind, be watchful for such missteps and dangerous slippery path. In that path, O mind, you’ll not find peace or steadiness. Listen to the guru’s (here it refers to the afore mentioned esteemed Sri Sivendra Swami of Kanchi Mutt) gentle advice in these difficult complex matters. The complete lyrics and audio links were given in the previous post here. Copyright 2022 by the author 

 

Lyrics of "nannu brova" Song

ఆభోగి రాగము - దేశది తాళము

 

నన్ను బ్రోవ నీ కింత తామసమా ?

నాపై నేరమేమి బల్కుమా ?

 

చిన్ననాడె నీ చెలిమి గలుగ కోరి -

(చిన్న నాటినే చెలిమి కోరి కోరి) 

చింతింప లేదా ? శ్రీరామ !

నిజదాస వరులకు(గు) తమ్ములతో

నీవు బాగుగ బు(పు)ట్టగ లేదా ?

గజరాజరక్షక ! తనయులను -

కనిపెంచ లేదా ? త్యాగరాజనుత !

(Smt. Vasantha Ramanujam (aka Naada Vasantha) Naada Vasantha Rendition did an excellent rendition of this kirtana. She brought out to the fore the complete anguish and deep frustration felt by the great composer. Originally I heard this devotional song in a CD. On the Internet the song is available at JioSaavn site and other places. She is well known for Purandaradasa songs. I will post the meaning in a future article. In the passing I may make an innocent remark: I did not come across any Annamayya composition where the celebrated composer makes a complaint about Lord Venkatesa. Tyagaraja seems different in that respect - he brings out all colorful shades of emotions. The latter has a big chest of complaints against Sri Rama. Similarly Ramadasu also felt deep anguish due to the prison sentence. Still they all teach us a lot about bhakti.)

aabhOgi raagamu - daeSadi taaLamu

nannu brOva nee kiMta taamasamaa ?

naapai naeramaemi balkumaa ?

chinnanaaDe nee chelimi galuga kOri -

(chinna naaTinae chelimi kOri kOri) 

chiMtiMpa laedaa ? Sreeraama !

nijadaasa varulagu tammulatO

neevu baaguga bu(pu)TTaga laedaa ?

gajaraajarakshaka ! tanayulanu -

kanipeMcha laedaa ? tyaagaraajanuta !

Lyrics of "kshirabdi kanyaku" Song - An Annamayya Kirtana

రాగం: మంగళ కౌశిక 

తాళం: 

క్షీరాబ్ధి కన్య(క)కు శ్రీ మహాలక్ష్మికిని

నీరజాలయమునకు నీరాజనం

జలజాక్షి మోమునకు జక్కవ (జక్కువ) కుచంబులకు

నెలకొన్న కప్పురపు నీరాజనం

అలివేణి తురుమునకు హస్తకమలంబుల(న)కు

నిలువుమాణిక్యముల నీరాజనం

చరణ కిసలయముల(న)కు సకియరంభోరులకు

నిరతమగు ముత్తేల నీరాజనం

అరది జఘనంబునకు అతివ నిజనాభికిని

ని(వి)రతి నానావర్ణ నీరాజనం

పగటు శ్రీవేంకటేశు పట్టపురాణియై

నెగడు నతి (సతి) కళలకును నీరాజనం

జగతి నలమేల్మంగ చక్కదనముల కెల్ల

నిగుడు నిజ శోభనపు నీరాజనం

(నిలువు మాణిక్యముల) 

raagaM: maMgaLa kauSika 

taaLaM: 

ksheeraabdhi kanya(ka)ku Sree mahaalakshmikini

neerajaalayamunaku neeraajanaM

jalajaakshi mOmunaku jakkava (jakkuva) kuchaMbulaku

nelakonna kappurapu neeraajanaM

alivaeNi turumunaku hastakamalaMbula(na)ku

niluvumaaNikyamula neeraajanaM

charaNa kisalayamula(na)ku sakiyaraMbhOrulaku

niratamagu muttaela neeraajanaM

aradi jaghanaMbunaku ativa nijanaabhikini

ni(vi)rati naanaavarNa neeraajanaM

pagaTu SreevaeMkaTaeSu paTTapuraaNiyai

negaDu nati (sati) kaLalakunu neeraajanaM

jagati nalamaelmaMga chakkadanamula kella

niguDu nija SObhanapu neeraajanaM

(niluvu maaNikyamula) 

(I've listened to the renditions by Dr. Balamuralikrishna and Sri G. Balakrishna Prasad. There are many more versions of this popular devotional song often sung at the conclusion of a function, puja, or dance program. I must offer apologies to its composer and the Devi for singing thing song without fully knowing its meaning. Only now I've begun exploring this exquisite composition.

We approach Devi Padmavati with the innocence of a child or earnest devotee. Hence the singer or interpreter should be extremely cautious while giving meaning to each phrase here. We'll look into the profound meaning later. When in doubt about any word or phrase here, we should consult Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa or Sri Shanmukha Sarma or other rishis like Sri Ganapathi Muni. Copyright 2021 by the author)

Lyrics of "nanu kanna talli" - a Tyagaraja composition

సింధు కన్నడ రాగము 

దేశాది తాళము 

నను కన్న తల్లి నా భాగ్యమా

నారాయణి ధర్మాంబికా 

కనకాంగి రమాపతి సోదరి

కరుణింపవే కాత్యాయని 

కావు కావు మని మొఱపెట్టగ

కరగదేమి మది కమలలోచనుని

నీవు బ్రోవకున్న యెవరు బ్రోతురు (?)

సదా వరంబొసగు త్యాగరాజ నుతే

nanu kanna talli naa bhaagyamaa

naaraayaNi dharmaambikaa 

kanakaangi ramaapati sOdari

karuNimpavE kaatyaayani 

kaavu kaavu mani mo~rapeTTaga

karagadEmi madi kamalalOchanuni

nIvu brOvakunna yevaru brOturu

sadaavarambosagu tyaagaraaja nutE

(This is another song I like very much. A song on Devi Parvati bringing all Her qualities and compassion in just eight sweet Telugu lines. In the second stanza, there is a reference indirectly to 'Kakasura'. The extraordinary composer asks thus: "Here, I keep crying (wailing) like a hoarse throated crow, how come Your brother's heart (Rama's heart) does not melt still? You are supposed to advise Your brother. If You (also like Rama) too do not take pity and attend to my distress, then who will? As the Mother, You always come through for the devotee, your bhakta. Luckily I learned this song on my own without looking up anywhere on the Internet. When I sing at temples, it does catch the attention of some listeners - so, hopefully I got the melody and feeling correct, as per Tyagaraju.)

Exploring the Song, "chetah Sri Ramam"

Exploring the Song, “chetah Sri Ramam”

(Meaning with Commentary)

O Wandering (monkey-like) Mind: Think of Sri Rama. Meditate on Sri Rama, the One with dark cloud hued body. 

(You may ask, how do we fix our mind on Him, Sri Rama?) We contemplate that Sri Rama is surrounded by the pleasant singing ambience created by the exceptional musician, Tumbura. Not only that, they also have our great Rama bhakta, Sri Hanuman (Anjaneya) with two other exceptional associates, Gavaya and Gavaaksha. Both these latter characters did participate in the war with Ravana and fought valiantly on behalf of Sri Rama and His army. (The writer has tried to research about Gavaya and Gavaaksha. Perhaps, he may across some more enlightening information about them in either Tulasi Ramayana or Bhaskara Ramayana or in the Sanskrit original.)

Look at that alluring crown (on Sri Rama), fitted with the nine precious stones. How glorious it is to see the Lord with a garland filled with freshly plucked Tulasi shoots (leaves). O (wavering) Mind, seek shelter in Him. And meditate on Him.

The heart of Sri Paramahamsa (Sri Parama-Sivendra, the guru of Sri Sadasiva Brahmendra Swamy) is glowing with the light on the top of the spire (gopuram). Of course, that is where Sri Rama resides happily. And while contemplating on Sri Rama, do not forget about His delicate tender (leaf) shoots-like feet. Those feet absolved all the sins of mother Ahalya, the lady (wife) of sage Gautami. Just the dust (sand dirt) from His feet bestowed the release on the lady effortlessly. Do you still have any doubts about Sri Rama or His unwavering assurance to all those who surrender at His feet? Serve the Lord, Sri Rama, who is none other than the Para-Brahman. Copyright 2021 by the author

Link for the lyrics with Telugu script and English transliteration: http://pattri-pulu.blogspot.com/2021/01/lyrics-of-chetah-sriramam.html

Lyrics of "chetah Sriramam"

సురుటి రాగం   అది తాళము 

చేతః శ్రీరామం - చిన్తయ

జీమూత శ్యామమ్

1. అఙ్గీకృత (అంగీకృత)  తుమ్బురు సఙ్గీతం (సంగీతం) 

హనుమద్గవయ గవాక్ష సమేతమ్ ‌|| చేతః||

2. నవరత్న స్థాపిత కోటీరం

నవ తులసీ దళ కల్పిత హారమ్ ‌|| చేతః||

3. పరమహంస హృద్ (హృత్) ‌ గోపుర దీపం

చరణదళిత ముని తరుణీ శాపమ్‌|| చేతః||

chaeta@h SreeraamaM - chintaya

jeemootaSyaamam^

1. a~mgeekRta tumburu sa~mgeetaM

hanumadgavaya gavaaksha samaetam^ ‌|| chaeta@h||

2. navaratna sthaapita kOTeeraM

navatulaseedaLa kalpitahaaram^ ‌|| chaeta@h||

3. paramahaMsa hRd^ gOpuradeepaM

charaNadaLita muni taruNeeSaapam^|| chaeta@h||

(I have to explore these exceptional devotional songs leisurely some other time. Though the meanings may be apparent to some with Sanskrit knowledge, still they contain valuable insights into meditation, yoga, and bhakti. Sri Sadasiva Brahmendra Swamy composed very limited devotional songs, yet they stand out glistening through the fog of time. Again it is a great privilege to know this compassionate Swamy and learn his compositions. Of course, it goes without saying that I first heard this song from Dr. Balamuralikrishna.) 

English Translation of "aakati velala" Song

In starving times

In times of fatigue

There is no other refuge

Other than Hari’s name -

(Uttering)

At the earliest hour of dawn

 

When

One becomes useless

When one loses one’s

Customs and traditions

When one is imprisoned

Captured by enemies

During such desperate times

(During such struggles)

The only way out -

Is the exquisite Hari’s name -

There is no other safe passage

 

When the danger strikes

(When an accident happens)

When one gets disgraced

And

In sinful and frightening times

The only solace is

Hari’s name

There is no other way

Even after searching

 

When one is handcuffed

When the creditors (credit card bills!)

Arrive (at the door) in queue

Only Lord Venkatesa’s name

Can offer release

Stubborn stupidity is no help

There is no other way

(No point in wallowing in stupidity)

[There are two classes of Annamacharya's songs: 1. Songs that depict and dwell on the theme of 'delicate romance', which I would rather call as the 'celestial sringara/romance'. 2. Songs that predominantly deal with the vagaries of our ordinary life and bring out some release out of the mundane morass. For those who cannot do the spiritual yoga or extended penance or nama-japa, these songs are like little morsels of sweet dishes - of distilled bhakti (emotional purity). They too offer help for many wandering ardent devotees.]

 

(Dedicated to my parents, Smt. T. (Ch.) S. L. and Sri T. J. R., with fond memories.) Copyright 2021 by the author

Telugu lyrics of this are given here: https://pattri-pulu.blogspot.com/2020/06/lyrics-of-akati-velala-song-annamayyas.html

 

Lyrics of "Yochana kamala Lochana" Kirtana

యోచనా కమల లోచనా

సూచనా తెలియక నొరుల (యొరుల)  యాచనా

చేయుననుచు నీకు 

తోచనా తుది విది కాయ తవి లోచన

నన్ను బ్రోవ నీకు 

ఖేచర నిజ భక్త విజయ ( నిచయ) పాప విమోచన గల 

బిరుదులెల్ల కల్గిన 

హేచన కృత విభీషణ వరాభిశేషణ

త్యాగరాజ పూజిత  

yOchanaa kamala lOchanaa

suuchanaa teliyaka norula yaachanaa

chEyunanuchu naaku 

tOchanaa tudi vidi kaaya tavi lOchana

nannu brOva niiku 

khEchara nija bhakta vijaya paapa vimOchana gala

birudulella kalgina 

hEchana kRta vibhIshaNa varaabhiSEshaNa
tyaagaraaja pUjita 

(This is one of my favorite devotional songs. If our great grandfather Annamayya explored the beauties of Tirumala, Tyagayya tried to put words into life's burdens. Out of the depths of pain, suffering, and desperation he shows us how to redeem ourselves with Lord Rama's name on our tongues. With or without the prevailing destruction of Corona, the world is still full of inconveniences. I had to solely rely on Dr. Balamurali's rendition for the exact words. I will try to find if possible other original Telugu textual sources to authenticate each word. Still, we can feel the full meaning of this composition. In a subsequent post we will look into each word, for its meaning and profundity. This song always lifts my mood though it starts out with a sad situation. Copyright 2020)