A cold and flu left me unable to sing last week, but this week I am back with a kriti in Vasanta ragam, composed by Sri Tyagaraja. This is one of the lesser heard Tyagaraja kritis taught at the PSN school, but I have also heard that Sri Chingleput Ranganathan used to sing this song. I have not heard it anywhere else. It is amazing to see how Tyagaraja weaves sahityams from his feelings. The conversation, and the questions he had for Rama convinces the listener that her had Rama before his very eyes when he composed.
Etladorikitivo - Ragam Vasanta- Talam Adi - Tyagaraja
Sahityam and meaning given in the youtube link. (courtesy: Sri T.K. Govinda Rao)
A couple of years ago, I had the chance to learn this composition of Tyagaraja in Devagandhari, and I loved it right away. I have a special affinity for Devagandhari. This is such an evocative raga, and Tyagaraja is a master at it, having composed about ten compositions, each with a different flavor. A slow composition in Devagandhari poses special challenges to the vocalist, as we see with this one and Ksheerasagara Sayana.
Sri Raghuvara Karunakara Neepada chintaname Jeevanamu
Supreme among the Raghus! Merciful Lord! The only aim of my lifeis to be contemplating your feet
Varana Rakshaka Bhaktajanagha Nivarana San mrdubhashana Sadguna
Protector of Gajendra! Remover of devotees' sins! One with mellifluous speech! O Virtuous!
Raja Raja Vandita Padayuga Dinaraja Rajanayana Palitamara
Raja! Rajapujita Sri Tyagaraja Raja Raghava Nannu brovumu
One whose feet are worshipped by Kubera, the lord of wealth, One who has the sun and moon as eyes, Protector of Devendra, Worshipped by kings, Lord of Tyagaraja, Protect me
(Lyrics and meaning: Courtesy: Compositions of Tyagaraja by T.K. Govinda Rao)
Today is Pushya Bahula Panchami, the 165th anniversary of Sadguru Sri Tyagaraja's samadhi. I offer my respect by singing one of my favorite compositions of this great vaggeyakara. He has enriched so many of our lives with his amazing music and verses, kindled our creativity, inspired composers, provoked our thoughts, musical and otherwise, and instilled peace. His music continues to stand as the solid rock upon which Carnatic music rests.
O My Mind! That human birth is indeed a birth in which one worships with the flowers of names of Lord.
O My Mind! That human birth is indeed a birth in which, having made the Lord to shine in the holy golden pedestal of mind, one worships with flowers of best and auspicious name of ‘Rama’.
O My Mind! That human birth is indeed a birth in which one worships, on the holy altar of precious jewels called Nada and Svara, the feet of the Supreme Lord Sri Rama who plays all the Sports, the Lord who adorns the heart of this Thyagaraja, with the flowers of His names
