"Minakshi Me Mudam" Song - An Exploration

Mina lochani = One (the Devi) with the eyes of a fish; [There is an interesting story about fish and its children. Similar to the Guru, a fish supports its children with just its looks or gaze. This is true of turtles also (see the Wiki about Olive Ridley Turtles)]. Many think that raising the young or caring for a plant or pet requires direct touch and feeding. Yet in nature life happens and grows on its own, perhaps under the loving gaze of mother Earth or the Mother. 

Many birds feed their young with delicate nutritious food, at times even slightly masticated (or regurgitated) protein rich portions. But the swans are a little different; they guide and watch their babies (cygnets) wander on soft spring grass and nibble the little green shoots. No direct feeding like the cardinal or robin birds. 

Here in this composition Sri Dikshitar simply asked Meenakshi Devi for “indescribable joy”. He begged only for the elusive joy. Many things in the world can be given a name, a meaning, or apt description. But what is joy? This is something like a blob of mercury – if you try to catch it, it slips and rolls away from your hand. Yet we all know (feel) it is there some where, in some form; we come across such descriptions of joy in poetry (Keats line: “A thing of beauty is joy forever”. Also the Telugu song by Samudrala Jr. “andame anandam  అందమె ఆనందం" ) 

Maana matru = respected Mother; matangi = Parvati; mEyE = worth knowing; 

Siva jaye = Lord Siva’s consort, the form of energy, (loosely) companion of Lord Siva. The epithet (jaaye) also connotes a wife who begets children, here in this context (for) Siva. For the entire creation and its peaceful existence the Mother becomes the source of Lord Ganesa and Kumara Swamy (Sri Subrahmanya Swamy). Earlier during the birth of Kumara Swamy She had put an injunction on all the Devas thus: there would be no additional members (offspring) to the Devas, thereby limiting the number of Devas to just thirty-three crores (see Tyagaraja kirtana “endaro mahanubhavulu”). Of course Devas can bless humans or Yakshas and indirectly gift children (ex: Arjuna was born through the blessing of Indra). 

vidhu vidambana vadane = a face that compares or excels the effulgence of Moon.  

One has to make the pilgrimage to the temple town (Madurai) in Tamil Nadu and visit Minakshi Devi. The whole city and its neighborhoods are under the purview of Devi; like Annapurna in Varanasi, here in the south Minakshi keeps a watchful eye on its people, animals, and nature surroundings. From M. S. Subbulakshmi, Madurai Mani Iyer, to Sri Ramana Maharishi many great personalities are associated with Madurai. Minakshi's compassion and benediction are beyond human imagination; Her grace brings peace and much needed relief to the devotees.

Complete lyrics will be given in the next post. Also, the missing stanzas or phrases will be incorporated through editing soon. 

 

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

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.

A Translation of "mivalla guna" Song

Translation of "mivalla guna"

Is there any flaw (defect)

In your (personality) qualities? 

(Is there any defect, any imperfection

that can be ascribed to you, Sri Rama?)

Whatever defects (or deficiencies) there are -

They are all solely due to me, (O) Lotus petal eyed One!

If the gold does not reach 24 carat purity

(If the gold cannot be refined to maximum purity)

What’s the point in wailing and complaining

To the goldsmith?

If the mother can’t bear the labor pains

Of her daughter, why get angry at her 

Errant son-in-law?

Perhaps, in some earlier birth

I did not give (donate) to deserving person(s)

(Did not indulge in generous charitable acts)

Forgot to pray, then what’s the point in complaining 

To the gods now?

Luminous (shining)

You, whose feet are praised by Tyagaraja -

You have helped my love and mind

Remain steady and grow 

(You have helped my bhakti stay firm)

[I dedicate this translation to Dr. Balamuralikrishna. For many singers and music connoisseurs (particularly of Carnatic style), he was the guru in absentia. He taught us the emotional touch in vocal music, precision with diction, and how to convey the real meaning behind each word and phrase. That our birth places are separated by a mere distance of 36 miles, just half-an-hour's drive is something I would cherish forever. Foolishly I dream like the  (proximate) wild creeper on a Sandalwood tree, that perhaps I too can sing as sweetly as the great genius and child prodigy. I have seen many articles written on him including several pieces in the Telugu newspapers. Here I will add only two sentences: He was a versatile consummate artist reaching extraordinary heights in literature, music composition, and singing. Truly the legendary musician can only be compared with the Trinity in Carnatic music. He was a rare phenomenon, that occurs only once in several centuries. We will definitely remember him fondly through his works and new ragas. How lucky is our generation! We got to see and know (about) the great ones in Indian philosophy, Hindu (Sanatana) Dharma, Indian music, literature, and dance. Copyright 2024 by the author]  

Lyrics of "pibare rama rasam" Song

పిబరే రామరసమ్ 

పిబరే రామరసమ్ - రసనే 

దూరీకృత పాతక సంసర్గం 

పూరిత నానావిధ ఫలవర్గమ్ 

జనన మరణభయ శోకవిదూరం 

సకల శాస్త్ర నిగమాగమ సారమ్ 

పరిపాలిత సరసిజ గర్భాణ్డం

పరమ పవిత్రీకృత పాషణ్డం

శుద్ధ పరమ హంసాశ్రమ (హంస ఆశ్రమ) గీతం 

శుక శౌనక కౌశిక ముఖ పీతమ్ 

पिबरे राम रसम् 

पिबरे राम रसम् - रसने 

दूरीकृत पातक संसर्गम् 

पूरित नानाविध फलवर्गम् 

जनन मरणभय शोक विदूरं  

सकल शास्त्र निगमागम सारम् 

परिपालित सरसिज गर्भाण्डम् 

परम पवित्रीकृत पाषाण्डम् 

शुद्ध परम हंसाश्रम गीतं 

शुक शौनक कौशिक मुख पीतम् 

pibarae raamarasam^ pibarae raamarasam^ - rasanae dooreekRta paataka saMsargaM poorita naanaavidha phalavargam^ janana maraNabhaya SOkavidooraM sakala Saastra nigamaagama saaram^ paripaalita sarasija garbhaaNDaM parama pavitreekRta paashaNDaM Suddha parama haMsaaSrama (haMsa aaSrama) geetaM Suka Saunaka kauSika mukha peetam^

Dr. Balamuralikrishna's rendition

M. S. Subbulakshmi's voice

(How to explain and explore this devotional song? It is not easy to go into its depths. But its simple exhortation to utter Sri Rama's name continuously, incessantly, and without any apparent reason - is enough for any beginner.  We'll look into each phrase carefully later. Sri Sadasiva Brahmendra Swamy assured one thing - by invoking his guru's name in each song, he assured "timelessness" to all his compositions. We cannot say who is greater, is it the guru? Or, is the disciple greater than the guru? For us, both are very helpful in our arduous journey. Copyright 2023 by the author) 

Meaning and Import of "sthirata nahi" 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 be 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 were given in the previous post here) Copyright 2023 by the author

 

Lyrics of "sthirata nahi nahire" Song

(It is superfluous to say that this is a composition of Sri Sadasiva Brahmendra Swamy. Earlier I've given here several of his exquisite Sanskrit compositions. Alas, the times are unsettling now all across the world. This song may give peace and steadiness to a wavering, doubting mind. We will look into its profound meaning and import for the sadhaka. This great saint, nay an avadhuta bestowed these great lyrics for our benefit, out of pure compassion. The southern India (particularly the erstwhile composite Telugu and Tamil lands) is blessed to have given birth to such extraordinary humans. Here is a student who excelled the teacher, the guru. Dr. Balamuralikrishna's rendition link: https://youtu.be/EjqBDMc2cAs Dr. Balamuralikrishna's voice )

ధనాసరీ రాగః   ఆది తాళము 

స్ధిరతా నహి నహిరే - మానస

స్థిరతా సహి సహిరే

1. తాపత్రయ సాగర మగ్నానాం

దర్పాహంకార విలగ్నానామ్ ‌||స్థిరతా||

2. విషయపాశ వేష్టిత చిత్తానాం

విపరీతజ్ఞాన విమత్తానామ్ ‌||స్థిరతా||

3. పరమహంసయోగ  విరుద్ధానాం

బహు చఞ్చలతర సుఖ సిద్ధానామ్‌ ||స్థిరతా||

स्थिरता नहि नहिरे - मानस 

1. तापत्रय सागर मग्नानां 

दर्पाहन्कार विलग्नानां 

2. विषय पाश वेष्टित चित्तानां 

विपरीत ज्ञान विमत्तानां 

3. परमहंस योग विरुद्धानां 

बहु चन्चलतर सुख सिद्धानां 

sthirataa nahi nahirae - maanasa

sthirataa sahi sahirae

1. taanatrayasaagara magnaanaaM

darpaahaMkaara vilagnaanaam^|| sthirataa||

2. vishayapaaSa vaeshTita chittaanaaM

vipareetaj~naana vimattaanaam^|| sthirataa||

3. paramahaMsayOgi viruddhaanaaM

bahu cha~nchalatara sukha siddhaanaam^|| sthirataa||

Copyright 2023 by the author

 

"Sama gana lole" Song

Ragam: Hindolam

Talam: Rupaka

saamagaana lOlae salalita guNa dhyaanae aMba 

sOmabiMba vadanae nisseema mahima charaNae 

saamaja mRdu gadanae kaama daana nipuNae 

kOmalaaM(LaaM)gi kaamaeSvara vaamabhaaga sadanae 

naama (raama) bhajita saadhu jana paapakooTa madanae 

taamasaadi guNa kalpita taapatraya Samanae 

daevadayaa rasa poorita daama kamala nayanae   

साम गान लोले सललित गुण ध्याने अम्ब 

सोमबिम्ब वदने निस्सीम महिमा चरणे 

सामज मृदु गदने काम दान निपुणे 

कोमलङ्गि कामेश्वर वामभाग सदने 

नामभजित साधु जन पाप कूट मदने 

तामसादि गुण कल्पित तापत्रय शमने 

देवदया रस पूरित दाम कमल नयने   

సామగాన లోలే సలలిత గుణ ధ్యానే అంబ 

సోమబింబ వదనే నిస్సీమ మహిమ చరణే 

సామజ మృదు గదనే కామ దాన నిపుణే 

కోమలాం(ళాం)గి కామేశ్వర వామభాగ సదనే 

నామ (రామ) భజిత సాధు జన పాపకూట మదనే 

తామసాది గుణ కల్పిత తాపత్రయ శమనే 

దేవదయా రస పూరిత దామ కమల నయనే 

(I give the lyrics in Telugu and Sanskrit for the benefit of north and south Indian music fans. The transliteration (generated by Lekhini) in English will be of help to the modern person not fully conversant with the Indian languages. Sri G. N. Balasubramaniam was a musician's musician. He was a great composer too and his poetic genius shows up in his creations. I learnt this song from Smt. M. L. Vasantakumari, one of his brilliant disciples. If my memory is correct I remember one interesting fascinating fact about MLV - she rarely rehearsed songs before the public performances.

The reader can understand the meaning if she knows a bit of Sanskrit. For in-depth exploration one can seek the help of Sri Lalita Sahasranamam and its excellent commentaries. I'll give the audio links in a later update. Copyright 2023 by the author)

  

Lyrics of "jnana mosaga rada"

జ్ఞాన మోసగ రాదా గరుడ గమన వాదా 

నీ నామమున నా మది నిర్మల మైనది 

పరమాత్ము౦డు జీవాత్ముండు పదు నాలుగు లోకములు 

నర కిన్నర కింపురుష  నారదాది మునులు 

పరిపూర్ణ నిష్కళంక నిరవధి సుఖ దాయక 

వర త్యాగరాజార్చిత వారము తాననే (జ్ఞానము)

రాగము: గమనశ్రమ

తాళము: రూపక  

j~naana mOsaga raadaa garuDa gamana vaadaa nee naamamuna naa madi nirmala mainadi paramaatmu~0Du jeevaatmuMDu padu naalugu lOkamulu nara kinnara kiMpurusha naaradaadi munulu paripoorNa nishkaLaMka niravadhi sukha daayaka vara tyaagaraajaarchita vaaramu taananae (j~naanamu) raagamu: gamanaSrama taaLamu: roopaka

[vadaa = the whirring sound. Luckily due to parents' blessings I got "the music rub" in the sinews. So, without listening to any singer I learned to sing this kirtana with perfect melody, myself. Here, the composer is asking for Sri Rama's grace (help). He says, "Why not bestow the supreme wisdom on us? Just by uttering (or hearing) your precious name my mind becomes clear, it gets uncluttered. Then Tyagayya enumerates a long list of "objects" including the sages like Narada, vina, and the fourteen worlds. (Narada and Tumbura are the great celestial singers.) Rama, you are the only one who can give us perfect, unblemished, and interminable happiness. Won't you give us the "wisdom" to recognize all the above entities as none other than Yourself (Rama)?"] Copyright 2022 by the author

 

Tyagaraja Kirtana "nagu momu galavani"

ప. నగుమోము గలవాని నా మనోహరుని

జగమేలు  శూరుని జానకి వరుని  ||నగుమోము||

చ. దేవాది దేవుని దివ్యసుందరుని

శ్రీ వాసుదేవుని సీతారాఘవుని  !!నగుమోము!!

సుజ్ఞాన విధిని సోమసూర్య లోచనుని

అజ్ఞాన తమస  మణచు భాస్కరుని  !!నగుమోము!!

నిర్మలాకారుని నిఖిలాఘహరుని

ధర్మాది మోక్షంబు దయచేయు ఘనుని !!నగుమోము!!

బోధతో పలుమారు పూజించి నే నా

రాధింతు శ్రీ త్యాగరాజ సన్నుతూని (సన్నుకూని)  (తిని)  !!నగుమోము!|

pa. nagumOmu galavaani naa manOharuni

jagamaelu  Sooruni jaanaki varuni  ||nagumOmu||

cha. daevaadi daevuni divyasuMdaruni

Sree vaasudaevuni seetaaraaghavuni  !!nagumOmu!!

suj~naana vidhini sOmasoorya lOchanuni

aj~naana tamasa  maNachu bhaaskaruni  !!nagumOmu!!

nirmalaakaaruni nikhilaaghaharuni

dharmaadi mOkshaMbu dayachaeyu ghanuni !!nagumOmu!!

bOdhatO palumaaru poojiMchi nae naa

raadhiMtu Sree tyaagaraaja sannutooni (sannukooni)  (tini)  !!nagumOmu!|

(I first came across this song in a cassette tape with Dr. Balamuralikrishna's voice. There is another Tyagaraja song with the beginning phrase "nagu momu". The latter song was analyzed in detail here in one of the posts. This lyric is full of Rama's various qualities (epithets). Here, I would like to look into the meaning of some words:

Both Lord Vishnu and Sri Rama are looked upon as the Deva with Sun and Moon as the two eyes (with lotus-like petals, etc.) In Bhagavad-Gita we come across Sri Krishna with similar description (11th Chapter, Viswaroopa Darsana Yogah). The most appropriate way of understanding this description is thus: When we perceive the "para-Brahman" it has to be in the inner recesses of wisdom (enlightenment). We can only feel and see Him in the avenue of "good-knowledge" (= sujnana). There Sri Rama is found with the kind eyes of Sun and Moon. Here, in this context Sun dispels all ignorance (ajnana). At the same time there is the gentle beam of Moonlight to soothe the devotee. Thus, wisdom is imparted gently to the Bhakta; like a mother Sri Rama instructs the devotee with love. 

nikhila + agha = all encompassing sins, impurities, or defects

haruni = the destroyer, the evaporator of all such sins) Copyright 2022 by the author

Lyrics of "sthirata nahi nahire" Song

ధనాసరీ రాగః   ఆది తాళము 

స్ధిరతా నహి నహిరే - మానస

స్థిరతా సహి సహిరే

1. తాపత్రయ సాగర మగ్నానాం

దర్పాహంకార విలగ్నానామ్ ‌||స్థిరతా||

2. విషయపాశ వేష్టిత చిత్తానాం

విపరీతజ్ఞాన విమత్తానామ్ ‌||స్థిరతా||

3. పరమహంసయోగి (గ)  విరుద్ధానాం

బహు చఞ్చలతర సుఖ (బద్ధా?) సిద్ధానామ్‌ ||స్థిరతా||

स्थिरता नहि नहिरे - मानस 

1. तापत्रय सागर मग्नानां 

दर्पाहन्कार विलग्नानां 

2. विषय पाश वेष्टित चित्तानां 

विपरीत ज्ञान विमत्तानां 

3. परमहंस योग विरुद्धानां 

बहु चन्चलतर सुख सिद्धानां 

Dhanasari ragah  aadi talam

sthirataa nahi nahirae

1. taapatrayasaagara magnaanaaM

darpaahaMkaara vilagnaanaam^ ||sthirataa||

2. vishayapaaSa vaeshTita chittaanaaM

vipareetaj~naana vimattaanaam^ ||sthirataa||

3. paramahaMsayOgi(ga)  viruddhaanaaM

bahu cha~nchalatara sukha (baddhaa) siddhaanaam^ ||sthirataa||

(It is redundant to say that this is a composition of Sri Sadasiva Brahmendra Swamy. Earlier I've given here several of his exquisite Sanskrit compositions. Alas, the times are unsettling now all across the world. This song may give peace and steadiness to a wavering, doubting mind. We will look into its profound meaning and import for the sadhaka. This great saint, nay an avadhuta bestowed these great lyrics for our benefit, out of pure compassion. The south India (particularly the erstwhile composite Telugu and Tamil lands) is blessed to have given birth to such extraordinary humans. Here is a student who excelled the teacher, the guru. Smt. Gopalaratnam's rendition is superb.Gopalaratnam's Audio) Copyright 2022 by the author 

A Song on Devi "Omkara karini" by Dr Balamurali

లవంగి             ఆది

ఓంకారా కారిణీ మద

హంకార వారిణీ అవతుమాం

హూంకార మాత్ర శత్రు దమనీ

హ్రీంకార రూపిణీ రుద్రాణి

మురళీ సుధా లహరీ విహారీ

పురరిపు ప్రేమిత త్రిపుర సుందరీ

కరుణారస భరిత లలిత లవంగి

వరదా అభయదా సకల శుభాంగి

lavangi             aadi

Omkaaraa kaariNii mada

hamkaara vaariNii avatumaam

huumkaara maatra Satru damanii

hriimkaara ruupiNii rudraaNi

muraLii sudhaa laharii vihaarii

puraripu prEmita tripura sundarii

karuNaarasa bharita lalita lavangi

varadaa abhayadaa sakala Subhaangi

Dr Balamuralikrishna's rendition

(I heard this song in a CD, perhaps obtained at Rochester Rajeswari Temple. Dr. Balamuralikrishna composed several unique ragas, this is one of his favorite compositions. I think so. The lyrics are full of profound meaning. They let us meditate on the qualities of Sri Mata (Devi). If I may, in the recent history both Dr. Balamurali and Sri GNB had a special blessing of the divine Mother. Their compositions are a true testimony to the divine grace. The Copyright of this song naturally belongs to Dr. Balamuralikrishna's Trust. Carnatic music teachers and students should remember/acknowledge the original composer while learning any song.)