The Final Resolution of "nagu momu" Song

The Final Resolution of “Nagu Momu” Song

Carnatic singers, music critics, and Carnatic enthusiasts (including this author) have long been puzzled by this unique Tyagaraja composition. Its true meaning and import remained hidden till date. The song was composed more than two centuries back; sadly we do not have among our midst people who are experts in multiple fields (polymath) of music, Hindu scriptures, the Puranas, and Vedas. At best today we have intellectuals with a smattering of Sanskrit, Telugu, but they lack the erudition and impartiality of a great seer like Adi Sankara, or the catholicity of thought - to borrow a word from the Anglicized vocabulary. Certainly the revered Paramacharya could get to the root of issue in such puzzling matters; he always had an uncanny insight, perhaps a blessing of Devi Kamakshi. Actually the saint was an embodiment of Kamakshi.

Before proceeding any further, I must pay my dues (debt) to a number of people and books: Foremost, to my parents and in-laws for instructing and transferring faithfully the centuries (rather millennia) old Hindu traditions and scriptural knowledge. I owe a large debt to all my teachers and college lecturers. Some names I can recall readily like N. G. Sastri, Sanskrit Sastri, Bulusu Venkateswarlu, Rama Raju, but there are many more in the list. They taught me language skills in Telugu, Sanskrit, and English; taught me for a pittance pay yet with full vigor and devotion. Most importantly they trained me to think fearlessly, freely, and explore imagination to the fullest, rather the farthest. I got trained to question everything (all biases, even the most subtle hidden). Yet my teachers and elders helped me retain the sensitivity to appreciate the delicate petals of lotus, the celestial aroma of parijata, and the fine arts – all at the same time. 

Now let us dive into this moving devotional song. In my previous articles (blogs here and elsewhere) I gave word-to-word meaning in detail. But paraphrasing will not suffice for such a glorious kirtana. We have to enquire about its heart, the gist, and its essence. Here, we will confine to the explanation of the second stanza. Briefly it states thus: “It seems Garuda (khaga-raju = king of sky movers) followed You, as per your instruction (dictum, suggestion). Then he (the celestial bird) did not get deterred, he did not mind the enormous (light-years) distance between the Earth and the vast Cosmos. Or, perhaps he did get deterred or discouraged momentarily. O Lord, You being the ruler of the entire Universe, to whom shall I complain? Tell me. Please do not be angry with me. Do not ignore me and my pleadings. I cannot bear it any more. Please help me and guide me.”

For many years, the second stanza did not make sense to me. Then I was ignorant of the Puranas and other Hindu scriptures. Though we read some excerpts of Mahabharatam (Telugu), Ramayana (Molla), and Srimad Bhagavatam (Potana) we (I mean our generation, our classmates) are still not fully conversant with all the numerous intricate details. But due to sheer luck I got a copy of Andhra Maha-bharatamu, the Telugu translation by Tikkana (courtesy I L N). Here in this book we find an interesting dialogue between Garuda (son of Vinati) and a group of rishis assembled on the Himalayan hills. The fearless celestial bird narrated when asked to explain about Lord Narayana and His “essential concept” (tatva).

[Once during the production of ‘Amrita’ a fight erupted between Devas and Asuras. In the fight Devas got extremely tired and exhausted. They sought Brahma’s help. The lotus-born Deva (Brahma, the Creator) immediately went into deep meditation and prayed to Lord Vishnu using all His epithets (qualities). Then momentarily Vishnu came flying on Garuda’s wings and vanquished all the Asuras and vanished from the scene right away. It is impossible even for Brahma to know the essential quality of Lord Vishnu. In that context Brahma elaborated an incident that involves Garuda’s first encounter with Lord Vishnu. (This story is retold by Bhishma to Yudhistara in Mahabharata, Anusasanika Chapter, pp. 32 - 36)].

Garuda Tells About the Grandeur of Narayana

Once on the snow covered mountains (Himalayas) there was a meeting of rishis and Siddhas. Garuda came and paid respects to the assembled munis. During the ensued conversation rishis requested Garuda to enlighten them about Vishnu. “Garuda, you are dear to Lord Vishnu and being his vehicle you are close to Lord Narayana.  Also you are a great devotee of the Lord. Could you tell us about the great Lord and His methods?” 

Garuda continued saying, “It is difficult to understand Vishnu. Even many sages, Devas, and Gandharvas do not comprehend Him. Once I vanquished Lord Indra and secured ‘amrita’ for helping my mother. My mother was a slave then and I got her released from slavery with the ‘amrita’ from heaven. When I was bringing ‘amrita’ to the earth I heard a voice in the sky with these words: “Well done! I admire you. Will give you a boon. Soon you will be my vehicle.” Innocently I (i.e., Garuda) replied back thus: “First reveal yourself to me. Tell me who you are and then give me boons.” Lord Vishnu answered, “You’ll know when the time comes.” And that was the end of it.

Then I went back to my father (Kasyapa) and told him about what has happened. My father instructed me to seek Lord Narayana in the northern mountains near Badarika forest and serve Narayana with devotion. How lucky I am to be His devotee. Later I flew to the Himalayas in search of Vishnu. There I found draped in golden-hued dress adorned with His weapons (conch shell, Sudarsana chakra, Mace, and Lotus). The Lord asked me to follow Him through the vast space of limitless sky. I flew through tens of thousands of miles, passing through intense hot interiors of stars, and alternating between brilliant light and utter total darkness. Soon I got tired. Suddenly I felt lost in the vast limitless space devoid of light. I lost sight of Lord Narayana. I cried for help in utter distress. But how could I be helpless? When the whole vast universe is enveloped with Lord Narayana, how can I be far from Him? Soon I heard soothing words telling me thus: “Do not worry. I am in front of you. You will soon be free of hunger and thirst. You’ll regain strength.” Suddenly my weariness vanished and soon I was flying smoothly. And then after all the wanderings and endless flight suddenly I found myself back in Badarika, exactly where I had started. Lord Vishnu made sure I returned safely to the same mountain range. 

Garuda concluded with these words. “We will find Narayana in our own hearts when we approach Him with a pure sattvik state of mind. No amount of penance, fasting helps except a strong desire to reach Him – the quest with utter humility.” All the assembled rishis were very happy to learn about Narayana, that too directly from His own carrier, Garuda. (Garuda is the name of a modern airline!) So, the aforesaid narration gives context and explains the great composition. I bow in reverence to the great composer, Tyagaraju expressing umpteen thanks. Copyright 2024 by the author

Explanation by Dr. Balamuralikrishna

Nagu momu song in Dr. Balamuralikrishna's Voice

Deepaka

Deepaka

(The Exceptional Disciple)

 

Gurureva parambrahma गुरुरेव परंब्रह्म (Trilinga Swamy)

 

We often invoke Guru and Ganesa at the beginning of any puja, scriptural study, or Vedic (Upanishad) chanting, or Hindu religious enquiry. But why do we begin with Guru? Kabir seems to have gotten the essence of Guru with these lines: “If you ask me to pick one entity, Guru or Bhagavan, I would certainly pick Guru first. Because without Guru I cannot even approach Bhagavan; I cannot even name or identify Bhagavan. Only Guru can show or guide me on the path to Bhagavan.” Today on the auspicious Guru Punima day we try to learn a bit about Guru. Like light and shadow, Guru and student are inseparable; when we talk about Guru naturally we also explore the relationship between a Guru and his disciple. A Guru (any Guru for that matter) is known by his (her) student and vice versa.

 

Here I narrate the story of Deepaka. The full details are given in Guru-Charitra. Like the eternally inspiring Dhruva, Deepaka also illustrates many things through his devotion, obedience, and total surrender to his Guru. Once there was a famous Vedic scholar in India; he was known as  “Veda-dharma” to all around him.  He was living with his group of disciples (students) adjacent to the Godavari River, also known as Dakshina Ganga. Many years went by as usual with daily studies and day-to-day chores – like ablutions in the sacred river, prayers, and recitations of sacred texts, hymns, Sanskrit grammar, etc. One day the teacher called all his students to assemble for an important announcement: “Dear students, I have a request to make. I want to make a pilgrimage to Kasi (Varanasi) and spend the remaining years there. I would like to spend my days on the banks of sacred Ganges.

 

I still have some remnants of past karma. Either I have to suffer its effects (consequences) in this life or carry the burden over to next life. I don’t want to be born again and repeat the cycle of birth again and again. I can burn my past karma through penance (tapas, Jnana marg) – but that too will take a long time. Would any of you accompany me to Kasi? It will not be easy, let me warn you ahead. I will get a terrible disease (Hansen’s disease, leprosy). It will cripple me, disfigure my body, and I may become an invalid. So, I need someone who can bathe, feed, and dress my wounds daily.”

 

Upon hearing their master’s words the students looked at each other in dismay.  They murmured small talk among themselves thus: “If it is a week or two we can assist the Guru. But how to stay away from our parents, friends, and families for years? That too in a far away city with unknown language and culture? And on top of that we have to nurse, bathe, and feed him.” Then one by one all the disciples replied negative. No one was willing to go with the Guru to Kasi, a city on the banks of Ganges – a veritable Kailas on the earth. Then hesitantly one boy (Deepaka) stood up and politely pleaded with the Guru with these words: “Sir, if you think I am worthy of your company then I am willing to go with you. Even if you get the dreaded disease I will stay with you and serve you. I will take you to the river and get bathed daily. Will attend to all your needs. I want to serve you with care and devotion. Please permit me to travel with you to Kasi.”

 

Veda-dharma did not agree at first. “Look Deepaka, it is very arduous to take care of another human being. It is not easy. I may get angry at times due to the sickly disease. I will lose sense of smell and touch. You may have to dress my bleeding cuts, wounds, and feed me. You know nothing about the devastating effects of leprosy.” Deepaka was firm in his decision. He again pleaded with his Guru. “Please sir, let me go with you to Kasi. I will listen to your commands and serve you with utmost devotion”. The Guru was touched by Deepaka’s words.

 

“Ok, remember I’ve forewarned you amply. Tomorrow we will start our journey.” In those days there were neither the high-speed trains nor airplanes; people went to Varanasi by foot, bullock cart, or horseback. It was not easy and the journey took months, if the pilgrim was lucky. People had to bear all the hardships on the way – lack of proper food, attacks by highway robbers (thugs), or tigers. In a tropical climate snakes were (are still) also plenty. At last our Guru and Deepaka reached Kasi. They set up a small tent (ashram) close to the sacred river. The routine for our student was full of chores from sunrise to sunset: Get up before sun rise and attend to the physical needs (kala-kritya) of Guru. Then he had to take his master to the Ganges for ablutions. This was possible only in the beginning before the dreaded onslaught of disease.  As leprosy progressed it started devouring the Guru slowly. His nose got flattened, his ears lost sensation, and his toes became crooked. He could no longer walk on his own feet, not even with a walking stick. Deepaka used to carry him slowly to the riverbanks for daily baths. Later he would fetch buckets of river water for washing at the ashram.

 

Deepaka had to quickly finish his morning chores and rush into the city (Kasi) streets for begging. As there were not enough hours in a day the student could not do all the tasks: Washing Guru’s soiled clothes, drying clothes and bed sheets, washing all the utensils, drying everything in the sun for making them super anti-septic, and collecting enough river water for drinking and washing. And added to this list were Guru’s wound dressing and bodily care. When would he get time to do his own Sandhya-Vandanam and daily ablutions? Obviously he could not do any cooking at the ashram even if he wanted to. So, daily he used to go into the City of Varanasi (Annapurna’s House) and beg alms from the householders. Many would oblige and offer some cooked rice, vegetable curry, or dal. Some days were better than others but everyone was impressed with our student. Obviously there was some hidden charm and light radiating from Deepaka’s face. Soon the word spread all over the city, about this unique Guru and disciple. On the holy Ganges there were always many ashrams and Gurus. But the story of Deepaka got more prominence, more attention.

 

On one of such daily rounds Deepaka got into a bit heated discussion with a householder. The lady of the house advised him thus: “Dear bachelor (O Brahmachari) may I suggest one thing? Why don’t you leave your current ailing Guru and find another Guru? After all your current Guru abuses you with lots of work and even scolds constantly. I think you should leave him immediately. Go and find another healthy decent preceptor. You’ll be happy with less work and less begging.” Deepaka thought for a moment and replied thus, “Dear Mother, if I am known in these streets it is all because of my Guru. Suppose your husband mistreats you occasionally. Would you leave your husband?”

 

The lady retorted back vehemently. “How can you say that? We took our sacred vows during marriage ceremony. How can a wife just desert her husband on some flimsy grounds? Good or bad, a husband is a husband.”

 

“Madam, it is the same with me. I cannot leave my Guru. One cannot keep on changing Gurus. For me my Guru is everything. My duty is to serve him with utmost diligence.” Such testy encounters happened but Deepaka was not perturbed, not a bit. His routine continued without any interruption. Rain, shine, or storm the disciple went on with his daily trips to the Holy River, afternoon begging, and wound dressing, etc. He patiently bore all the scolding and abusive behavior – he simply treated it as Guru’s blessing. A lesser student would have quit after a week.

 

Then a true miracle happened one day. Suddenly Kasi Viswanatha wanted to meet this extraordinary student. The Lord appeared at the front door with Annapurna adorned with all accessories of Trisul, Damarah, etc. glistening with vibhuti all over. He affectionately called Deepaka thus: “Dear son, I want to give you some boons. So, ask me for any thing. I am at your service.”

Deepaka did not get surprised at all and he replied without batting an eye. “Sire, I do not know you. My guru looks after me and he takes care of everything. I do not need anything.” Just then the Guru called from inside.

Guru, “Deepaka, who’s at the door? And what are you haggling about? Why are you wasting time with the stranger?”

 

Deepaka: “Guruji, some stranger is at the door - referring himself as Siva. He wants to give me some boons.”

 

Guru: “What? Did you ask for anything?”

 

Deepaka: “No, I did not. Told Him I don’t need anything. Emphatically said my Guru provides everything. Really everything.”

 

Thus, a bit disappointed Siva left the premises. He put in a word for Deepaka in Lord Vishnu’s ears. Though Kasi is the perennial holy city of Viswanatha (in fact Varanasi is almost like a second consort of Lord Siva), Vishnu is the real Manager in the town. So naturally Siva shared the details about this exceptional disciple – Deepaka. Soon Lord Narayana appeared in front of the hut with four hands holding the Shell, Chakra, Mace, and Lotus.

 

Narayana, “Deepaka, I am here to meet you and bless you.”

 

Deepaka,  “Who are you, Sir?”

 

Narayana: “I am the Lord who looks after the world. I sustain it and look after all its needs. Ask for any wish. I’ll readily grant it. Of course your guru will soon be cured of the terrible disease. ”

 

Deepaka: “Thank you Sir. I am totally content. I have everything and if I ever need any thing then I’ll ask my master, I mean my Guru.”

 

Again the Guru got irritated. “Sishya, why are you wasting time? Who is the visitor now?”

 

Deepaka: “Sir, some one with a shell is at the door. He calls himself as Vishnu. I’ll send him off quickly and be at your service, master.”

 

Thus Vishnu too got utterly disappointed. “What a wonderful student! He did not even ask for a simple boon. He’s totally content with serving his Guru. It’s rare to find such an ideal disciple.”

 

Perhaps the Guru might have lunged to the front door to greet Siva and Vishnu if it were not for his debilitating disease. Or, as someone totally immersed in Brahman he could have stayed put inside. When one knows Brahman, gets absorbed with Brahman, one may commit any act or remain in total inaction – just be a “witness” to the external world. Judging any act, commission or omission – such frivolous swimming in the ocean of “karmic world”, - it is all for the lesser mortals. The fully realized souls are exempt from every mandated act or injunction.

 

Then, that day suddenly the Guru bubbled over (overcame) with compassion. He called Deepaka to his side and proclaimed thus: “Look sishya, you’ve been a wonderful student. You looked after me and this corporeal body with utmost care. Today I shower you with lots of boons. You will become famous henceforth and because of you even Kasi’s reputation will get enhanced hundred fold. All the eight siddhis will serve you and you will live long for several centuries. You will inherit all the nine treasures too.” Saying such sweet words the Guru shed his (self imposed) dreadful disfiguring disease and put on a new shining body. Right in front of his disciple he verily blasted off to higher worlds.

 

It does not matter where a Sadhaka begins his tentative journey. Every sincere ardent student will meet her Guru like Deepaka and reach higher planes of realization. With unwavering trust and diligence, bhakti (service) produces wondrous results.  

Lyrics of "gange jaya tunga" Song

గఙ్గే - జయ తుఙ్గతరఙ్గే

1. కమల భవాణ్డ కరణ్డ పవిత్రే

బహువిధ బన్ధ చ్ఛేద లవిత్రే || జయ||

2. దూరీకృత జన పాప సమూహే

పూరిత కచ్ఛప గుచ్ఛ గ్రాహే|| జయ||

3. పరమహంస గురు భణిత చరిత్రే

బ్రహ్మవిష్ణుశఙ్కర నుతిపాత్రే|| జయ||

రాగం: సురటి    తాళం: ఆది 

ga~mgae - jaya tu~mgatara~mgae

1. kamala bhavaaNDa karaNDa pavitrae
bahuvidha bandha chChaeda lavitrae || jaya||

2. dooreekRta jana paapa samoohae
poorita kachChapa guchCha graahae|| jaya||

3. paramahaMsa guru bhaNita charitrae
brahmavishNuSa~mkara nutipaatrae|| jaya||

गाङ्गे - जय तुङ्ग तरङ्गे 

कमल भवाण्ड करण्ड पवित्रे 

बहु विध बन्ध च्छेद लवित्रे 

दूरीक्रुत पाप समूहे 

पूरित कच्छप गुच्छ ग्राहे 

परमहंस भणित चरित्रे 

ब्रह्मा विष्णु शंकर नुत पात्रे 

lavitre = sickle

This is a marvelous song on the sacred river Ganges. It describes the holy river in all its glory. Ganges is revered and held in high esteem in the hearts of many. Great civilizations sprouted on the banks of rivers - as water is essential for all living entities man, animal, and plants. Hindus right from little children to the elderly call the river lovingly as "Ganga mai". In Kasi it is a routine to take fresh flowers, turmeric, sindoor, and few coins and offer them to the river. Earlier the flowers and turmeric used to get quickly washed away by the rapid currents of full throated river. And thus no serious pollution would mar the sweet waters of Ganga. Now daily a mechanical skimmer collects all the flowers. 

The Ganges like Niagara Falls needs plenty of snow, rain from above (the skies) to keep it flowing. The Ganges is also a perennial river. In summer the melting snow from Himalayas keeps the river in full spate. In the first stanza, the poet speaks about the origins of Ganga. It started from the holy pitcher of Brahma (the Creator). The river waters are so powerful that they can cut through all the "bindings" (or Karmic entanglements) - all such knotty ropes are cut with a sharp sickle like water wave. One can write volumes about the Ganges or Niagara Falls; but to get a real feel about such marvelous natural bounties one must visit and touch the water. And one has to absorb the enormity of  life giving pure water. Without water (for that matter all the five primal elements like water, air, earth, fire, and sky) life cannot survive on this planet. Many historical famous personalities had (still have) close association with this river - like Trilinga Swamy, Jagannatha Pandita Rayalu, Uma Charan, Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Tulasi Das, Dikshitar, and many others. 

"You put away or discard all the accumulated sins of people. Yet you hold the groups of 'turtles' like a flower bouquet." Here the turtle may also refer to Vishnu's avatar (కూర్మా వతారము).   

"Your stories and history is aptly uttered (narrated) by (my) Guru Parama (hamsa) Sivendra. Even the Trimurti Brahma, Vishnu, and Sankara praise you; certainly you deserve the praise of Trimurti." Here is a link to the rendition by Dr. Balamuralikrishna in his unique vibrant voice: Tunga tarange by Dr. Balamurali  Copyright 2024 by the author.

Lyrics and Meaning of "Sri Satyanarayanuni" Song

Lyricist: Dasarathi

Movie: Gruhapravesam (Telugu)

Singer: P. Susheela (and Chorus)

పల్లవి: శ్రీ సత్యనారాయణుని సేవకు రారమ్మా 

మనసారా స్వామిని కొలిచి హారతు లీరమ్మా 

నోచిన వారికి నోచిన వరము ... చూసిన వారికి చూసిన ఫలము...... |శ్రీ|  

స్వామిని పూజించే  చేతులె చేతులట ..  ఆ  మూర్తిని  దర్శించే కనులె (లే) కన్నులట ..

ఆ ఆ 

తన కథ వింటె  ఎవ్వరికైన జన్మ తరించునట ....|శ్రీ| 

ఆ ఆ ఆ ఆ 

 

ఏ (యే)   వెళైన..యే  శుభమైనా ..కొలిచే  దైవం.. ఈ దైవం..ఆ ఆఆ 

అన్నవరంలొ వెలసిన దైవం.. ప్రతి  ఇంటకి  దైవం. |శ్రీ|

ఆర్చన చేద్దామా ..మనసు అర్పణ ..చేద్దా(దా)మా స్వామికి మదిలోనే  కోవెల కడదామా ..ఆ ఆ ఆఆ 

పది కాలాలు పసుపు కుంకుమలు ఇమ్మని కోరేమా .. |శ్రీ|

మంగళ మనరమ్మ..జయ మంగళ మనరమ్మ..కరములు జోడించి..శ్రీచందన మలరించి..ఆ ఆ 

వందన మనరె సుందర మూర్తికి  వందన మనరమ్మా ...|శ్రీ|

pallavi: Sree satyanaaraayaNuni saevaku raarammaa 

manasaaraa svaamini kolichi haaratu leerammaa 

nOchina vaariki nOchina varamu ... choosina vaariki choosina phalamu...... |Sree|  

svaamini poojiMchae  chaetule chaetulaTa ..  aa  moortini  darSiMchae kanule (lae) kannulaTa ..

aa aa 

tana katha viMTe  evvarikaina janma tariMchunaTa ....|Sree| 

aa aa aa aa 

 

ae (yae)   veLaina..yae  Subhamainaa ..kolichae  daivaM.. ee daivaM..aa aaaa 

annavaraMlo velasina daivaM.. prati  iMTaki  daivaM. |Sree|

aarchana chaeddaamaa ..manasu arpaNa ..chaeddaa(daa)maa svaamiki madilOnae  kOvela kaDadaamaa ..aa aa aaaa 

padi kaalaalu pasupu kuMkumalu immani kOraemaa .. |Sree|

maMgaLa manaramma..jaya maMgaLa manaramma..karamulu jODiMchi..SreechaMdana malariMchi..aa aa 

vaMdana manare suMdara moortiki  vaMdana manarammaa ...|Sree|

(Friends, Ladies) Come hither at this momentous juncture to serve Lord Satyanarayana. Let us pray with our hearts and offer “Arati (Harati)” to the Swami. Those who pledged and made vows, they’ll get their wishes fulfilled. And those who’ve come here to watch this function (and Swami) they too will get immense benefits.

(They say) those are the real hands, which offer things (ex: flowers, fruits, fragrance, etc.) with devotion (love) to Satyanarayana Swami; and those eyes are the real (functional, invaluable) eyes that feast on the form of Lord Satyanarayana. Everyone who listens to the Satyanarayana Vrata story will overcome the obstacles of this mundane complex life.

Any time (at any critical juncture) or at any auspicious event people pray to Lord Satyanarayana – the Swami who (spontaneously) appeared in the town of Annavaram (a town near Kakinada). The same Satyanarayana Swami adorns and occupies many houses in India (especially in Andhra Pradesh). [A historical note: A very ancient Satyanarayana temple exists in Varanasi, validating the Vrata story!]

Shall we offer things (like flowers)? Shall we offer our hearts (outpouring bhakti) and totally surrender ourselves to the Lord? Shall we build a temple for the Swami in our inner recesses of mind? Shall we ask Satyanarayana Swami for decades of prosperous married life filled with happiness, children, and relatives? 

Let us hail and proclaim auspiciousness to the Lord. (That in turn will shower blessings and good things on us.) With clasped hands let us sing. Let us apply gently the (rose colored) Sandalwood paste. Let us salute to the handsome Swami, sing, and pay our respects. 

(This is a not word-to-word translation. But it gives meaning of the song with enough fidelity. It will help those with limited knowledge of Telugu to appreciate the lyrics. I cannot help but thanking the great poet and lyricist Dasarathi. There are nine ways of exhibiting bhakti (see Bhagavatam - శ్రవణం, కీర్తనము, స్మరణం,  పాద సేవనము, అర్చనము, వందనము, దాస్యము, సఖ్యము, ఆత్మ నివేదనము). Here the poet tried to include at least four or five techniques of putting such devotion into practice. Is this not much easier and simpler way to get closer to Lord Satyanarayana? Rest I leave it to the earnest reader to explore further the deep meaning and fervent emotion hidden in this song.) Copyright by the author 2024