Degree Kaapi: Recent Episodes
Anuradha S
The story of India & its people, woven together with colourful threads on music, art, culture & language.
Thiruvempavai Pathigam 1 -
Aadhiyum Antamum
Rāgam : Bowli
Tālam : Adi
Transliteration:
ādiyum antamum
illā arumperuñ
jotiyai yāmpāḍak-
keṭṭeyum vāzhtaṭaṅkaṇ
māte val̤arutiyo
vaṉseviyo niṉsevithāṉ
mādevaṉ vārkazhalgal̤
vāzhttiya vāzhttolipoy
vidivāy keṭṭalume
vimmivimmi meymmaṟanthu
podār amal̤iyiṉmel
niṉṟum puraṇdiṅṅgaṉ
eteṉum āgāl̤
kidanthāl̤ eṉṉe eṉṉe
īde emtozhi
pariselor empāvāy
Gist : In the first pathigam (hymn) ‘Adiyum Antamum’ Manickavasagar begins by praising Lord Shiva and seeks His grace. The poet expresses his devotion and surrender to Shiva, describing the various aspects of the divine and the beauty of the deity. The hymn is a devotional outpouring of love and a plea for spiritual guidance and blessings.
The twenty songs of the ‘Thiruvempavai’ form a part of the ‘Thiruvasakam’, a set of ancient Tamil hymns that date back to the 9 CE, and were composed in Annamalaiyar temple by the poet-saint Manickavasagar. Each song in the ‘Thiruvempavai’ is a fervent expression of the poet's deep devotion and surrender to the divine, and quest for spiritual enlightenment. The songs are written as conversations between a sleeping maiden, reluctant to wake up early, and her friends who try to persuade her to accompany them to the temple. 'Thiruvempavai’ are sung early in the morning, one on every day, followed by ten songs of the ‘Thirupalliyeluchi’. The paavai songs are part of an ancient tradition amongst unmarried young girls, where they would light lamps in the early mornings of Margazhi, and sing songs in praise of Lord Shiva. It was believed that such rituals would bring prosperity and a suitable husband. The ‘Thiruvempavai’ songs, along with the ‘Thiruppavai’ songs composed in honour of Lord Vishnu, resound in temples across Tamil Nadu during the cold days of December and January.The songs are even sung during the coronation of the King of Thailand!
Thiruppavai songs are also available here https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-doH9v4Aa5REwe1adEaLrfAnVIOl4RB6
Supported by Sri Lalitam Trust
Credits Lyrics - Thiru Manickavasagar Concept, direction & vocals - Madhu Iyer Cinematography - Aravind Rajagopalan Translation and transliteration - Anuradha Srinivasan Video edits, thumbnails and social media - Saroja Vasanth Edits, Mix and Master - Sankararaman, Conch Music House Recording - At Atrium sounds by Anish Mohan. Art - Vishnuprabha of Vishnu Arts Other images from the Internet (creative commons) #thiruvempavai #thiruvembavai #lordshiva #margazhi #margazhihymns #madhuiyer #classicalmusic #indianclassicalmusic #carnaticmusic #carnaticsongs #devotionalhymns #tamildevotionalsongs #tamilhymns #tamilclassicalsongs #kritis #margazhi #margazhi2023 #margazhiseason #adiyumantamum #manickavasagar #sangamlitnerature #sangampoems #thiruvasagam #shivasongs #maneniennalai #shivasongs #shivadevotionalsongs #mahadev #mahadeva #nataraja #natraj #annamalai
Pasuram 30 : Vanga Kadal Kadainthu
Ragam : Surutti
Singer : Madhu Iyer
Venue : Brahma Vidya Mandir
Meaning of the pasuram
The Lord who churned
The Ocean of Milk,
O Madhava, O Kesava!
To you, the moon-faced
And bejewelled gopis
Reached & prayed
There (in Gokulam) the grand story
Of receiving the boon of moksha,
She who hails from beautiful Pudhuvai
(Srivilliputhur)
Wearing fresh lotus garlands,
That Kodhai,
The daughter of the best
Of priests (Periyalvar),
She recites
This garland of thirty verses
In beautiful Thamizh
If we recite without fail
Then the Lord with four shoulders
Like mountains
And red lotus-eyes
And divine face,
That glorious Narayana
Will bless everyone
In the world
To receive His grace
And rejoice!
andal #kothai #kodai #kodhai #nachiyar #godadevi #thiruppavai #thiruppavaipasurams #madhuiyer #classicalmusic #indianclassicalmusic #carnaticmusic #carnaticsongs #devotionalhymns #tamildevotionalsongs #tamilhymns #tamilclassicalsongs #kritis #pasuram #margazhi #margazhi2022 #margazhiseason #vangakadal
Pasuram 29 : Sitram Siru Kale
Ragam : Madhyamavati
Singer : Madhu Iyer
Venue : Brahma Vidya Mandir
Meaning of the pasuram
In the early hours of the morning,
We came to serve You
O hear why we praise
Your golden lotus feet
O Lord!Born in the cowherd’s clan
That lives by grazing cattle
Do not naysay
Our loving service
O Govinda, look!
We do not want moksha
Only for today
But for all eternity
Seven times seven births
Shall we be bound to You
And You alone shall we serve
Dissolve all our
Other desires
Into Your service!
andal #kothai #kodai #kodhai #nachiyar #godadevi #thiruppavai #thiruppavaipasurams #madhuiyer #classicalmusic #indianclassicalmusic #carnaticmusic #carnaticsongs #devotionalhymns #tamildevotionalsongs #tamilhymns #tamilclassicalsongs #kritis #pasuram #margazhi #margazhi2022 #margazhiseason #karavaigalpinchendru #tamildevotionalsongs
Pasuram 28 : Karavaigal Pin Chendru
Ragam : Kambhoji
Singer : Madhu Iyer
Venue : Brahma Vidya Mandir
Meaning of the pasuram
We follow our cattle
And eat together in the forest
Simple cowherds that we are
Blessed are we
That You were born
In our clan
O flawless Govinda!
None can break our bond with you ,
Ignorant girls that we are
Born of love
We called you by trivial names
Do not be angry!
O Lord, grant us moksha!
andal #kothai #kodai #kodhai #nachiyar #godadevi #thiruppavai #thiruppavaipasurams #madhuiyer #classicalmusic #indianclassicalmusic #carnaticmusic #carnaticsongs #devotionalhymns #tamildevotionalsongs #tamilhymns #tamilclassicalsongs #kritis #pasuram #margazhi #margazhi2022 #margazhiseason #karavaigalpinchendru
Pasuram 27 : Koodarai Vellum
Ragam : Poorvi Kalyani
Singer : Madhu Iyer
Venue : Brahma Vidya Mandir
Meaning of the pasuram
O Govinda who vanquishes his enemies,
Of you
We shall sing & attain moksha,
And further, these rewards we shall obtain
Acclaim from all the land,
Armlets, shoulder ornaments, ear studs & earrings
Anklets, & several such adornments shall we don
We shall wear robes
And thereafter, partake of milk & boiled rice
Completely covered in ghee
Which drips down to our elbows,
And together shall we be in bliss
Pasuram 26 : Male Manivanna
Ragam : Kunthala Varali
Singer : Madhu Iyer
Venue : Brahma Vidya Mandir
Meaning of the pasuram
O Lord who is love incarnate
With a blue sapphire hue
In order to observe the ritual vow in Margazhi
In the way of our ancestors
Hear what is needed
The universe trembles at the sound
Of Your milk-white conch, the Panchajanya,
Such conches do we need
And hymn-singers to sing Your praise
And great drums
To sing Pallandu
A standing lamp, a flag, & a canopy
O Lord who slept on the banyan leaf after the Great Deluge!
Bless us so we can observe the ritual vow!
Pasuram 25 : Oruthi Maganai
Ragam : Behaag
Singer : Madhu Iyer
Venue : Brahma Vidya Mandir
Meaning of the pasuram
Born of a woman
One turbulent night
And raised in hiding
By another thereafter
That intolerant tyrant
Who wanted to harm You
All his efforts made futile
And in Kamsa’s belly,
Like a raging fire,You stood
O Supreme Lord, to You
We have come begging
For the boon of moksha (salvation) from You
And if You give us moksha,
Of Your matchless wealth & prowess shall we sing
And thus would vanish all our sorrows
Unto this bliss!
andal #kothai #kodai #kodhai #nachiyar #godadevi #thiruppavai #thiruppavaipasurams #madhuiyer #classicalmusic #indianclassicalmusic #carnaticmusic #carnaticsongs #devotionalhymns #tamildevotionalsongs #tamilhymns #tamilclassicalsongs #kritis #pasuram #margazhi #margazhi2022 #margazhiseason #margazhibeats #thiruppavai #kodhai #madhuiyer #andal #margazhi #carnaticmusic #keezhvaanam #pasuram #tamilbhaktisaints #bhaktimovement #tamilsaints #tamilsongs #vishnu #krishna #anganmagnyalathu #andal #kothai #kodai #kodhai #nachiyar #godadevi #thiruppavai #thiruppavaipasurams #madhuiyer #classicalmusic #indianclassicalmusic #carnaticmusic #carnaticsongs #devotionalhymns #tamilhymns #tamilclassicalsongs #kritis #pasuram #margazhi #margazhi2022 #margazhiseason #oruthimaganai
Andal, Kodhai, Goda Devi or Nachiyar as she was variously known, was the only female poet-saint (Alvar) in the Tamil Bhakti tradition. She lived in 7th or 8th century CE & composed many songs in beautiful classical Thamizh which are very popular even today. Known as Thiruppavai. This set of thirty songs are sung on the thirty days of Margazhi (mid-December to mid-January). Her 143 verse poem, known as Nachiyar Thirumozhi, is also famous.
Andal’s vivid poetry uses imagery unique to the Thamizh landscape, such as the ānaiccāttan (Greater coucal or red crow), sennel, ungaḷ puzhak kaḍai tōṭṭattu vāviyuḷ cengazhunīr vāy nehizhndu āmbal vāy kūmbina kāṇ.
The most popular Thiruppavai, Margazhi Thingal, is sung on the first day of Margazhi. The pavai nombu or ritual vow which was observed by women for the 30 days of Margazhi over time merged with Pongal festivities. Some of her famous Thiruppavai pasurams or songs are Margazhi Thingal, Elle Ilam Kiliye, Thoomani Madathu etc.
andal #kodhai #godadevi #margazhi #thiruppavai #pasurams #tamildevotional #tamildevotionalsongs #bhaktimovement #bhaktitradition #alvar #vishnu #vaishnavism #vaishnava #krishna #nappinai #lakshmi
Pasuram 24 : Andru Ivvulagam
Ragam : Sindhu Bhairavi
Singer : Madhu Iyer
Venue : Brahma Vidya Mandir
Meaning of the pasuram
Praise unto the Lord who measured the world with His divine feet
Praise unto the One who vanquished the King of Lanka in the south
Long live Your valour in breaking the asura in the guise of a cart (Sakatasura)
Long live Your lotus feet that stretched to fling the calf (Vatsasura) on the tree
And vanquished them both
Long live Your ever-merciful nature, which lifted the mountain (Govardhana) like an umbrella
Praise unto the spear in Your divine hands that defeats all enemies
We sing only of Your divine leelas (exploits)
And seek of You the gift of the sacred drum
We have come to You today
That we may receive Your compassion!
andal #kothai #kodai #kodhai #nachiyar #godadevi #thiruppavai #thiruppavaipasurams #madhuiyer #classicalmusic #indianclassicalmusic #carnaticmusic #carnaticsongs #devotionalhymns #tamildevotionalsongs #tamilhymns #tamilclassicalsongs #kritis #pasuram #margazhi #margazhi2022 #margazhiseason #margazhibeats #thiruppavai #kodhai #madhuiyer #andal #margazhi #carnaticmusic #keezhvaanam #pasuram #tamilbhaktisaints #bhaktimovement #tamilsaints #tamilsongs #vishnu #krishna #anganmagnyalathu #andal #kothai #kodai #kodhai #nachiyar #godadevi #thiruppavai #thiruppavaipasurams #madhuiyer #classicalmusic #indianclassicalmusic #carnaticmusic #carnaticsongs #devotionalhymns #tamilhymns #tamilclassicalsongs #kritis #pasuram #margazhi #margazhi2022 #margazhiseason #andruivvulagam
Pasuram 22 : Angan Maa Gnyalathu
Ragam : Yamuna Kalyani
Singer : Madhu Iyer
Venue : Brahma Vidya Mandir
Meaning of the pasuram
As the kings of this beautiful world
Having shed their ego, surrender to You
And assemble near the foot of Your bed
Thus have we gathered and come to You
Like a half-bloomed lotus flower with a small mouth like a bell
Will your lotus-red eyes
Deign to glance at me?
Like the rising moon & the sun,
With both your beautiful eyes,
If you look upon us
All our sins will be destroyed!
margazhibeats #thiruppavai #kodhai #madhuiyer #andal #margazhi #carnaticmusic #keezhvaanam #pasuram #tamilbhaktisaints #bhaktimovement #tamilsaints #tamilsongs #vishnu #krishna
Pasuram 21 : Etra Kalangal
Ragam : Nadanamakriya
Singer : Madhu Iyer
Venue : Brahma Vidya Mandir
Meaning of the pasuram
Even as the vessels fill & overflow
With abundant milk from the generous cows
O Son of he (Nandagopala)
Who possesses these cows,
Arise!
O Supreme Lord, the Greatest of all,
For this world
You appeared as the blazing light,
Arise!
As Your defeated foes
Come to Your doorstep
And with no other refuge,
They surrender to You
Thus have we come
To sing Your praise,
Arise!
margazhibeats #thiruppavai #kodhai #madhuiyer #andal #margazhi #carnaticmusic #keezhvaanam #pasuram #tamilbhaktisaints #bhaktimovement #tamilsaints #tamilsongs #vishnu #krishna
Pasuram 20 : Mupathu Muvar
Ragam : Senchurutti
Singer : Madhu Iyer
Venue : Brahma Vidya Mandir
Meaning of the pasuram
One who hastens to help
The thirty-three crore devas
And removes fear from their hearts,
O Powerful Lord, arise!
Forthright & powerful
To your foes
You do give hardships,
O Immaculate One, arise!
With a soft bosom like golden pots,
Red lips & a narrow waist
O beautiful Nappinai,
Goddess of Wealth, arise!
Give your Beloved Lord a fan & a mirror
Tarry not! Please send Him to us,
For we can observe the ceremonial bath!
margazhibeats #thiruppavai #kodhai #madhuiyer #andal #margazhi #carnaticmusic #keezhvaanam #pasuram #tamilbhaktisaints #bhaktimovement #tamilsaints #tamilsongs #vishnu #krishna
Pasuram 19 : Kuthu Vilakkeriya
Ragam : Sahana
Singer : Madhu Iyer
Venue : Brahma Vidya Mandir
Meaning of the pasuram
In the glow of the lamps
On the bed with ivory legs
On a mattress of soft cotton
Lay Nappinnai with her fragrant tresses adorned with flowers
On Her bosom do you rest comfortably
O One with the broad chest
Open your mouth and speak!
O Nappinnai, with big kohl-lined eyes
Won’t you wake up your husband
For a moment even?
And even for a moment
Won’t you bear the separation from Him?
Your true nature
Is not thus!
margazhibeats #thiruppavai #kodhai #madhuiyer #andal #margazhi #carnaticmusic #keezhvaanam #pasuram #tamilbhaktisaints #bhaktimovement #tamilsaints #tamilsongs #vishnu #krishna
Pasuram 18 : Undhu Madha
Ragam : Saveri
Singer : Madhu Iyer
Venue : Brahma Vidya Mandir
Meaning of the pasuram
One who is mighty
Like an elephant in musth
O! Nappinai, daughter-in-law
Of that valiant Nandagopalan
She of the fragrant tresses,
Please open the door!
Look! All around do the roosters crow
And the koels sing
Atop the madhavi flower-bowers
O playful damsel! (holding a ball to play with Lord Krishna)
We wait to sing of your beloved,
With your red lotus-hued hands
Adorned by jingling bangles, Arise & open the door,
That we may sing in bliss!
margazhibeats #thiruppavai #kodhai #madhuiyer #andal #margazhi #carnaticmusic #keezhvaanam #pasuram #tamilbhaktisaints #bhaktimovement #tamilsaints #tamilsongs #vishnu #krishna
Pasuram 17 : Ambarame Thaneere
Ragam : Kalyani
Singer : Madhu Iyer
Venue : Brahma Vidya Mandir
Meaning of pasuram
O! One who gives clothes, water & food
Our King Nandagopala, arise!
O gentlest of women
A guiding light for all
Our Queen Yashodha
Wake up!
O! One who pierced the sky with your form
And measured the worlds in three strides
O King of the Skies
Do not sleep yet, wake up now!
O! One whose legs are adorned
With red-gold anklets, Baladeva
May you & your brother (Krishna), arise!
margazhibeats #thiruppavai #kodhai #madhuiyer #andal #margazhi #carnaticmusic #keezhvaanam #pasuram #tamilbhaktisaints #bhaktimovement #tamilsaints #tamilsongs #vishnu #krishna
Pasuram 16 : Nayaganai Ninra
Ragam : Mohanam
Singer : Madhu Iyer
Venue : Brahma Vidya Mandir
Meaning of the pasuram
O! One who stands like a leader,
At the palace of Nandagopan
As its guardian,
As also of the flag
At the decorated entrance,
Open the gem-studded door for us
The young gopikas
For our ritual, the drum was promised
By the Blue-hued Enchanter
Yesterday itself
And so we have come, pure of heart
Do not, with your very first words, naysay us O master!
Open the door of devotion to the Lord!
margazhibeats #thiruppavai #kodhai #madhuiyer #andal #margazhi #carnaticmusic #keezhvaanam #pasuram #tamilbhaktisaints #bhaktimovement #tamilsaints #tamilsongs #vishnu #krishna
Pasuram 15 : Elle Ilamkiliye
Ragam : Begada
Singer : Madhu Iyer
Venue : Brahma Vidya Mandir
The fifteenth pasuram is like a dialogue between a clever gopika, & Andal, who persuades her to let go of her lassitude & join the devotees. This song was composed in chaste Tamil over 1200 years ago by the only female Vaishnavite saint Kodhai Alwar, or Andal as she is popularly known. The pasuram is a part of the Thiruppavai, a set of thirty songs sung in Margazhi (mid-December to mid-January).
Meaning of the pasuram
Oh, beautiful young bird !
We are at your door, are you still asleep?
Don't be harsh, my young friends! I am coming
Oh, well do we know your stories & your skilled tongue
You are the more skilled ones, indeed,
But let it be me, as you say!.
Come quickly now! What prevents you?
Has everyone come?
They have come indeed, you may count them yourself!
The One who killed the mighty elephant (Kuvalayapidam)
And destroyed the ego of foes
Of that Divine Enchanter
Come, let us all sing together!
margazhibeats #thiruppavai #kodhai #madhuiyer #andal #margazhi #carnaticmusic #keezhvaanam #pasuram #tamilbhaktisaints #bhaktimovement #tamilsaints #tamilsongs #vishnu #krishna
Pasuram 14 : Ungal Puzhakkadai
Ragam : Anandabhairavi
Singer : Madhu Iyer
Venue : Brahma Vidya Mandir
Andal, in this fourteenth Pasuram, tells the waiting Gopi to hasten, as the sages and other devotees have already reached the temple.This song was composed in chaste Tamil over 1200 years ago by the only female Vaishnavite saint Kodhai Alwar, or Andal as she is popularly known. The pasuram is a part of the Thiruppavai, a set of thirty songs sung in Margazhi (mid-December to mid-January).
Meaning of the pasuram
In your backyard, in the garden pond
The red lotuses have bloomed
And the blue lotuses (lilies)
Have closed their petals Saffron-robed sages with their white teeth
Are going to their temples to blow the conch You who promised to awaken us earlier
You wonderful girl! Wake up
O maiden with the shameless tongue! He who holds the Conch & the Discus in His Hands
The lotus-eyed One, of Him let us all sing!
margazhibeats #thiruppavai #kodhai #madhuiyer #andal #margazhi #carnaticmusic #keezhvaanam #pasuram #tamilbhaktisaints #bhaktimovement #tamilsaints #tamilsongs #vishnu #krishna
Pasuram 13 : Pullin Vaai Keendanai
Ragam : Atana
Singer : Madhu Iyer
Venue : Brahma Vidya Mandir
In this thirteenth pasuram, Andal coaxes the reluctant maiden to sacrifice her sleep and join the other devotees as they take a ritual bath & pray to Lord Ranganatha. This song was composed in chaste Tamil over 1200 years ago by the only female Vaishnavite saint Kodhai Alwar, or Andal as she is popularly known. The pasuram is a part of the Thiruppavai, a set of thirty songs sung in Margazhi (mid-December to mid-January).
Meaning of the pasuram
The One who tore open the demon’s mouth (Bakasura)
And plucked & threw away the heads of the asura (Ravana)
As we sing of these glorious deeds
All our companions have reached the sacred arena
Venus has arisen & Jupiter has set
Even the birds chirp, look!
O, doe-eyed maiden!
Without diving deep into the icy water
And enjoying a ritual bath
Do you still lie on your bed?
Join us, O maiden!
On this auspicious day
Putting away this wilfulness,
Arise!
margazhibeats #thiruppavai #kodhai #madhuiyer #andal #margazhi #carnaticmusic #keezhvaanam #pasuram #tamilbhaktisaints #bhaktimovement #tamilsaints #tamilsongs #vishnu #krishna
Pasuram 12 : Kanaithillam Kattru
Ragam : Kedaragowlam
Singer : Madhu Iyer
Venue : Brahma Vidya Mandir
In the twelfth pasuram, Andal encourages the cowherd’s sister to awaken, as every household in Gokulam is now busy in worshipping the Lord except for her. This song was composed in chaste Tamil over 1200 years ago by the only female Vaishnavite saint Kodhai Alwar, or Aandal as she is popularly known. The pasuram is a part of the Thiruppavai, a set of thirty songs sung in Margazhi (mid-December to mid-January).
Meaning of the pasuram
The compassionate buffaloes, thinking of their calves,
Have let flow plentiful milk from their udders
And as they stamp the wet muddy floor,
O younger sister of that blessed cowherd
Who serves the Lord
With dew drops falling on our head, we stand outside your door
Of the Lord whose anger slayed the King of Lanka
Of that delightful God do we sing
Yet you do not speak
At least now, please wake up!
What deep slumber is this?!
Even the neighbours,
Are now awake & know!
Arise O maiden!
(Lyrics from www.vedics.org, www.ramanuja.org, & Wikipedia; Translation by Anuradha S)
margazhibeats #thiruppavai #kodhai #madhuiyer #andal #margazhi #carnaticmusic #keezhvaanam #pasuram #tamilbhaktisaints #bhaktimovement #tamilsaints #tamilsongs #vishnu #krishna
Pasuram 11 : Katru Karavai
Ragam : Huseni
Singer : Madhu Iyer
Venue : Brahma Vidya Mandir
Andal, in the eleventh pasuram, beseeches the maiden form the cowherd’s clan to join her relatives & friends in praying to Lord Krishna. This song was composed in chaste Tamil over 1200 years ago by the only female Vaishnavite saint Kodhai Alwar, or Aandal as she is popularly known. The pasuram is a part of the Thiruppavai, a set of thirty songs sung in Margazhi (mid-December to mid-January).
Meaning of the pasuram
Those who milk many milch cows with calves
And destroy the strength of foes in battle
O peerless golden creeper,
Who is born in that brave clan of the cowherds
O beautiful peacock with a snake-thin waist
Please come!
All your kinsfolk & friends
Have gathered
In your courtyard
And sing together of the cloud-hued Lord
Without movement or speech
O precious girl!
How do you still sleep?
Arise now!
(Lyrics from www.vedics.org, www.ramanuja.org, & Wikipedia; Translation by Anuradha S)
margazhibeats #thiruppavai #kodhai #madhuiyer #andal #margazhi #carnaticmusic #keezhvaanam #pasuram #tamilbhaktisaints #bhaktimovement #tamilsaints #tamilsongs #vishnu #krishna
Pasuram 10 : Notru Swargam
Ragam : Todi
Singer : Madhu Iyer
Venue : Brahma Vidya Mandir
In the tenth pasuram, Andal exhorts a sleepy village maiden not to be over-confident in her self-professed devotion but join the other girls & follow the rituals. This song was composed in chaste Tamil over 1200 years ago by the only female Vaishnavite saint Kodhai Alwar, or Aandal as she is popularly known. The pasuram is a part of the Thiruppavai, a set of thirty songs sung in Margazhi (mid-December to mid-January).
Meaning of the pasuram
O! blessed girl who is steadfast in her vow
And will surely attain heaven
Won't you reply
Or open the door even?
Lord Narayana, with the fragrant sacred tulsi garland on His Head
Of Him we sing praises and receive boons
Is it that Kumbhakarna of yore
Vanquished by the Lord in days gone by
Has bestowed his sleep on you?
O sleep-laden damsel
My precious jewel
Arise from your stupor & open the door!
(Lyrics from www.vedics.org, www.ramanuja.org, & Wikipedia; Translation by Anuradha S)
margazhibeats #thiruppavai #kodhai #madhuiyer #andal #margazhi #carnaticmusic #keezhvaanam #pasuram #tamilbhaktisaints #bhaktimovement #tamilsaints #tamilsongs #vishnu #krishna
Pasuram 9 : Thoomani Madathu
Ragam : Hameer Kalyani
Singer : Madhu Iyer
Venue : Brahma Vidya Mandir
In this ninth Pasuram, Andal coaxes the parents of the sleeping maidens to wake their daughters up & join in the worship of the Lord. This song was composed in chaste Tamil over 1200 years ago by the only female Vaishnavite saint Kodhai Alwar, or Aandal as she is popularly known. The pasuram is a part of the Thiruppavai, a set of thirty songs sung in Margazhi (mid-December to mid-January).
Meaning of the pasuram
In the gem-studded palace aglow with lamps
Amidst the fragrant incense, on a soft bed she sleeps
O! Daughter of my uncle, open this bejewelled door! O Aunt! Will you awaken her, your daughter indeed?
Is she mute, or is she deaf? Is she exhausted?
Or is she in a trance?
The Divine Enchanter Madhava, Lord of Vaikunta
Thus have we recited the Lord’s names to awaken her!
(Lyrics from www.vedics.org, www.ramanuja.org, & Wikipedia; Translation by Anuradha S)
margazhibeats #thiruppavai #kodhai #madhuiyer #andal #margazhi #carnaticmusic #keezhvaanam #pasuram #tamilbhaktisaints #bhaktimovement #tamilsaints #tamilsongs #vishnu #krishna #thoomani
Pasuram 8 : Keezh Vaanam
Ragam : Dhanyasi
Singer : Madhu Iyer
Venue : Brahma Vidya Mandir
Through the eigth pasuram, Andal cajoles the still-sleeping village maidens to wake up early & join their waiting friends in the Lord's worship. This song was composed in chaste Tamil over 1200 years ago by the only female Vaishnavite saint Kodhai Alwar, or Aandal as she is popularly known. The pasuram is a part of the Thiruppavai, a set of thirty songs sung in Margazhi (mid-December to mid-January).
Meaning of the pasuram
The eastern sky lights up,
Look! Even the buffaloes, let out in the morn
Have spread out to graze
The rest of the girls
Who wish to go (to the temple)
Stand here, awaiting you
We have all come to call you,
O happy girl! Arise!
With song & drumbeats
To the One who split open the demon’s mouth (Bakasura)
And vanquished the evil wrestlers
To Him, the God of Gods,
If we shall go & pray
With compassion shall He look upon us
And bestow His Grace!
(Lyrics from www.vedics.org, www.ramanuja.org, & Wikipedia; Translation by Anuradha S)
margazhibeats #thiruppavai #kodhai #madhuiyer #andal #margazhi #carnaticmusic #keezhvaanam #pasuram #tamilbhaktisaints #bhaktimovement #tamilsaints #tamilsongs #vishnu #krishna
Pasuram 7 : Keesu Keesu
Ragam : Bhairavi
Singer : Madhu Iyer
Venue : Brahma Vidya Mandir
In this seventh pasuram, Andal exhorts the village maidens to wake up early & worship Lord Narayana. This song was composed in chaste Tamil over 1200 years ago by the only female Vaishnavite saint Kodhai Alwar, or Aandal as she is popularly known. The pasuram is a part of the Thiruppavai, a set of thirty songs sung in Margazhi (mid-December to mid-January).
Meaning of the pasuram
The chirping of the red crows all around
As they talk amongst themselves,
Can you not hear O! deluded girl?!
The jingle of ornaments as they move their hands
These fragrant-haired Gopikas,
And the churning
Of curd, do you not hear these sounds?
O best among maidens!
Even as we sing the name of Lord Narayana
And Kesava, & even as you hear our song,
Can you lie down?
O splendid damsel!
Arise & open the door!
(Lyrics from www.vedics.org, www.ramanuja.org, & Wikipedia; Translation by Anuradha S)
margazhibeats #thiruppavai #kodhai #madhuiyer #andal #margazhi #carnaticmusic #pasuram #tamilbhaktisaints #bhaktimovement #tamilsaints #tamilsongs #vishnu #krishna #keesukeesu
Pasuram 6 : Pullum SIlambina
Ragam : Shankarabharanam
Singer : Madhu Iyer
Venue : Brahma Vidya Mandir
In the sixth pasuram, Andal gently chides young devotees to arise early & pray to Lord Hari in observance of the ritual vow. This song was composed in chaste Tamil over 1200 years ago by the only female Vaishnavite saint Kodhai Alwar, or Aandal as she is popularly known. The pasuram is a part of the Thiruppavai, a set of thirty songs sung in Margazhi (mid-December to mid-January).
Meaning of the pasuram
Even the birds are chirping; can you not hear,
In the temple of the King of Birds (Garuda)
The roar of the great white Conch?
Awake, O Young maiden!
He who drank milk from the poisoned breast of the demon (Putana)
And with a raised foot, destroyed the evil asura in the guise of a cart (Sakatasura)
The Creator of the Cosmos
Who reclines on the great Serpent in the Ocean of Milk
As the rishis and the yogis
Gently awaken with the Lord in their hearts,
And resounding chants of Lord Hari
May His name enter our hearts too
May we rejoice as we observe our vow!
(Lyrics from www.vedics.org, www.ramanuja.org, & Wikipedia; Translation by Anuradha S)
margazhibeats #thiruppavai #kodhai #madhuiyer #andal #margazhi #carnaticmusic #keezhvaanam #pasuram #tamilbhaktisaints #bhaktimovement #tamilsaints #tamilsongs #vishnu #krishna #pasurams #slt #degreekaapi
Pasuram 5 : Mayannai
Ragam : Sri
Singer : Madhu Iyer
Venue : Brahma Vidya Mandir
Through the fifth pasuram, Andal explains that by worshipping Lord Damodara (Vishnu) with fresh flowers & songs, devotees can wash away all their sins, past & future.
The song was composed in chaste Tamil over 1200 years ago by the only female Vaishnavite saint Kodhai Alwar, or Aandal as she is popularly known. The pasuram is a part of the Thiruppavai, a set of thirty songs sung in Margazhi (mid-December to mid-January).
Meaning of the pasuram
To Him the Divine Enchanter, To Him the son of Mathura in the north,
To Him who played & frolicked, On the banks of the sacred Yamuna,
And was born to the cowherd clan, Like a radiant & auspicious lamp
To Damodara, who illuminated His mother’s womb,
We came after a holy bath, And offered fresh flowers at his feet,
With His song on our lips, And His thought in our minds,
Lo! All our sins, past & future,
Will burn like cotton set afire
Let us sing His glory, & observe our vow!
(Lyrics from www.vedics.org, www.ramanuja.org, & Wikipedia; Translation by Anuradha S)
margazhibeats #thiruppavai #kodhai #madhuiyer #andal #margazhi #carnaticmusic #pasuram #tamilbhaktisaints #bhaktimovement #tamilsaints #tamilsongs #vishnu #krishna #pasurams #kodhai #slt #degreekaapi #mayannai
Pasuram 4 : Aazhi Mazhai Kanna
Ragam : Varali
Singer : Madhu Iyer
Venue : Brahma Vidya Mandir
The fourth pasuram beseeches Varuna, the God of Rain, to be as generous & resplendent as Lord Vishnu & shower the earth with rain.
The song was composed in chaste Tamil over 1200 years ago by the only female Vaishnavite saint Kodhai Alwar, or Aandal as she is popularly known. The pasuram is a part of the Thiruppavai, a set of thirty songs sung in Margazhi (mid-December to mid-January).
Meaning of the pasuram
O majestic Rain God (Varuna) who comes from the sea,
Please grant us our wishes
Dive deep into the ocean, & take your fill of water
And with mighty thunder, leap up to the sky
Like the Primordial God in His divine form, turn dark
And in the hands of Lord Padmanabha, He of the broad shoulders
Blaze as the lightning of the Sacred Discus (Sudarshana)
And roar as the thunder of the Divine Conch (Panchajanya) Do not delay! Like a storm of arrows
From Saranga, the bow of Lord Vishnu
Nourish the earth & all life & shower us with abundant rain
Thus we too
Shall enjoy our ritual bath in the month of Margazhi.
(Lyrics from www.vedics.org, www.ramanuja.org, & Wikipedia; Translation by Anuradha S)
margazhibeats #thiruppavai #kodhai #madhuiyer #andal #margazhi #carnaticmusic #pasuram #tamilbhaktisaints #bhaktimovement #tamilsaints #tamilsongs #vishnu #krishna #pasurams #kodhai #slt #degreekaapi
Song : Vaiyatthu Vaazhveergal
Raga : Gowli (Carnatic)
Singer : Madhu Iyer
A beautiful pasuram describing the austerities that devotees must perform in order to maintain a vow and serve the Lord. This song was composed in chaste Tamil over 1200 years ago by the only female Vaishnavite saint Kodhai Alwar, or Aandal as she is popularly known. The pasuram is a part of the Thiruppavai, a set of thirty songs sung in Margazhi (mid-December to mid-January).
Meaning of the pasuram
O! People of this world
Be pleased to hear of those penances,
That we daily do for the worship of Pavai
We will sing of those holy feet
Of He who sleeps in the ocean of milk
We will not partake of tasty ghee
We will avoid the health-giving milk
We will bathe everyday before dawn
We will not wear any kajal in the eyes
We will not tie flowers in our hair
We will not do any act that is banned
We will not talk ill of anyone to others
We will give alms and do charity
As much as we can
And do everything to free others from sorrow
This is our vow!
(Lyrics from www.vedics.org, www.ramanuja.org, & Wikipedia; Translation by Anuradha S)
margazhibeats #thiruppavai #kodhai #madhuiyer #andal #margazhi #carnaticmusic #pasuram #tamilbhaktisaints #bhaktimovement #tamilsaints #tamilsongs #vishnu #krishna #pasurams #andal #kodhai #slt #degreekaapi #margazhithingal
Pasuram 1 : Margazhi Thingal
Ragam : Nattai
Singer : Madhu Iyer
Venue : Brahma Vidya Mandir
Margazhi Thingal, the first song in Thiruppavai, beseeches devotees to come together to worship Krishna, the son of Yashoda.
The song was composed in chaste Tamil over 1200 years ago by the only female Vaishnavite saint Kodhai Alwar, or Aandal as she is popularly known. The pasuram is a part of the Thiruppavai, a set of thirty songs sung in Margazhi (mid-December to mid-January).
Meaning of the pasuram
It is the month of Margazhi
On this auspicious full moon day
Don't you want to bathe in the Yamuna?
Come, partake in the festival!
O! Young bejewelled maidens of prosperous Gokulam!
Narayana, the son of Nandagopan,
With his sharp spear, is a terror to his enemies
Narayana, the young lion cub of Yasoda,
Who has charming eyes,
Lord Narayana with a complexion like the dark clouds & eyes of crimson lotus hue,
With his lustrous face radiant as the sun & cool as the full moon
The Lord will surely grant us all our wishes!
Let us bathe & celebrate the festival, with praise from the world!
(Lyrics from www.vedics.org, www.ramanuja.org, & Wikipedia; Translation by Anuradha S)
margazhibeats #thiruppavai #kodhai #madhuiyer #andal #margazhi #carnaticmusic #pasuram #tamilbhaktisaints #bhaktimovement #tamilsaints #tamilsongs #vishnu #krishna #pasurams #kodhai #slt #degreekaapi
India is a land of diversity. In spite of different languages, traditions & customs followed in different regions, India is linked by a common thread that is expressed through its festivals. 'Festivals of India' is a series that will attempt to cover in depth some of the important celebrations observed across India, & the common thread that binds us all to this ancient civilisation. This is the first podcast in the series about the festival of Karthigai Deepam, celebrated in Tamil Nadu & other states in October or November every year.
Listen to Part 2 & Part 3 (coming soon) for more information about the legends behind the festival, & how it is celebrated across India & even neighbouring countries like Thailand & Myanmar.
Watch the video on https://youtu.be/nW_lMzF8ooY
Read the full article here https://bit.ly/3MhF8zK
Music Credits
Introduction - Ullam Urugudhaiyya, by Madhu Iyer
Alapana in Sahana Ragam by Madhu Iyer
Bho Shambho by Veena Srivani
Nee Thathuvamaagi, Thiruppugazh by Madhu Iyer
Hara Hara Shiva by Jai Uttal
Supported by Thiru Sri Jayanta
The Sri Lalitam Trust aims to preserve & propagate the unique yet diverse cultural & spiritual heritage of India through documentaries, concerts, language studies, & educational resources on all media. Read more about us at www.slt.org.in. Show us some love; donate a cup of kaapi here https://www.instamojo.com/@sltrust/
srilalitamtrust #srilalitam #karthigai #carnaticsongs #carnaticmusic #karthigaideepam #ragadwijavanthi #katibihu #thirukarthigai #festivals #indianfestivals #indianculture #devdeepavali #southindia #deepavali #shiva #murugan #karthikeya #tamilfestival #slt
India is a land of diversity. In spite of different languages, traditions & customs followed in different regions, India is linked by a common thread that is expressed through its festivals. 'Festivals of India' is a series that will attempt to cover in depth some of the important celebrations observed across India, & the common thread that binds us all to this ancient civilisation. This is the second podcast in the series, about the festival of Karthigai Deepam, celebrated in Tamil Nadu & other states in October or November every year.
Listen to Part 1 & Part 3 (coming soon) for more information about the legends behind the festival, & how it is celebrated across India & even neighbouring countries like Thailand & Myanmar.
Watch the video on https://youtu.be/nH1FflGoYLk
Read the full article here https://bit.ly/3MhF8zK
Music Credits
Introduction - Ullam Urugudhaiyya, by Madhu Iyer
Alapana in Sahana Ragam by Madhu Iyer
Bho Shambho by Veena Srivani
Nee Thathuvamaagi, Thiruppugazh by Madhu Iyer
Hara Hara Shiva by Jai Uttal
Supported by Thiru Sri Jayanta
The Sri Lalitam Trust aims to preserve & propagate the unique yet diverse cultural & spiritual heritage of India through documentaries, concerts, language studies, & educational resources on all media. Read more about us at www.slt.org.in. Show us some love; donate a cup of kaapi here https://www.instamojo.com/@sltrust/
srilalitamtrust #srilalitam #karthigai #carnaticsongs #carnaticmusic #karthigaideepam #ragadwijavanthi #katibihu #thirukarthigai #festivals #indianfestivals #indianculture #devdeepavali #southindia #deepavali #shiva #murugan #karthikeya #tamilfestival #slt
Varsha Pirappu is the Tamil New year celebrated by the Tamil diaspora globally on 13th or 14th April every year. This day is important for many cultures & religions in South Asia & South East Asia, as it marks the transition of the solar cycle from Meenam (Pisces) to Mesha (Aries).
It is also the time of harvest in some places in India & thus also celebrated as a harvest festival. Find out more about the various harvest festivals & new year celebrations in this episode.
Watch the video on https://youtu.be/Wz-ioZpVayc
Music Alapana by Madhu Iyer
https://youtube.com/shorts/anAmsg5xFZ8?feature=share
Mahaganapathim-Carnatic Projekt,Vijay Kannan
https://youtu.be/wKmp930_jQY
Sakthi Sahitha Ganapathim-Carnatic Projekt,Vijay Kannan
https://youtu.be/kSXD-JMPnoc
Vidaja, Indo Soul - Karthick Iyer
https://youtu.be/11dVH3NPW3c
The Sri Lalitam Trust aims to preserve & propagate the unique yet diverse cultural & spiritual heritage of India through documentaries, concerts, language studies, & educational resources on all media. Read more about us at www.slt.org.in. Show us some love; donate a cup of kaapi here https://www.instamojo.com/@sltrust/
tamil #slt #srilalitamtrust #madhuiyer #puthandu #tamilnewyear #baisakhi #vaisakhi #gangasaptami #gangajayanthi #tamilfestival #indianfestival #harvestfestival #pohelaboishakh #bisu #vishu #sankranti #mohasangkran #buisu #meitei #sajibunongmapanba #bizhu #chakma #bodo #bwisagu #sangken #pimai #thingyan #southasiafestival #indiafestival #indiaculture #aprilfestival #asianfestival #festivalsofindia #puthaandu #varshapirappu #chithiraithirunal #chithirai #chithiraivishu #thainewyear #cambodianewyear #bengalinewyear #noboborsho #mangalshobhayatra #manipurnewyear #keralanewyear #malayalinewyear #indianewyear #tripuranewyear #assamnewyear #punjabinewyear #ganga #nepalinewyear
A beautiful & meditative Sanskrit Vedic Chant from the Rudram, praising Lord Shiva. Rudram (Samhita Patha & Ghana Patha) . Video link here https://youtu.be/5aGZKrMwlbk
Vocals by Madhu Iyer
Programming by Marshall Robinson
Mixing & Mastering by Abin Paul Editing by Anuradha Srinivasan
Supported by Sri Lalitam Trust
saṃhitā - pāṭhaḥ & ghana - pāṭhaḥ
The Sri Lalitam Trust aims to preserve & propagate the unique yet diverse cultural & spiritual heritage of India through documentaries, concerts, language studies, & educational resources on all media. Read more about us at www.slt.org.in. Show us some love; donate a cup of kaapi here https://www.instamojo.com/@sltrust/
shivmantra #shivamantra #chants #vedicchants #chanting #sanskritchants #rudram #chamakam #namakamchakam #rudramchamakam #omnamahshivaya #shiv #shiva #hinduism #hindushlokas #shlokas #sanskritshlokas #vedas #yoga #yogamusic #meditation #meditationmusic #meditativechants #chants #trance #trancemusic #morningshlok #morningshlokas #morningchants
Thai Pusam is celebrated by Tamils around the world, in places as far apart as India, Sri Lanka, Fiji & Indonesia. With different kavadis & chariot processions, the festival is a spectacular mix of colours, music & dance. Enjoy this podcast on the celebration & customs of Thai Pusam. This is the first of a two-part series on the festival of Thai Pusam. Watch the video here https://youtu.be/JhZ-tVW9tZg
Background Music
Kavadi Chindu, by Kunnakudi Vaidyanathan & Valayapatti A. R.Subramaniam (https://youtu.be/TrlcVV3v4_U)
Muruga, by Nivas K. Prasanna from Yaadhum Oore Yaavarum Kelir (https://youtu.be/tsq49nsLw6Q)
The Sri Lalitam Trust aims to preserve & propagate the unique yet diverse cultural & spiritual heritage of India through documentaries, concerts, language studies, & educational resources on all media. Read more about us at www.slt.org.in. Show us some love; donate a cup of kaapi here https://www.instamojo.com/@sltrust/
slt #srilalitam #thaipusam #thaipoosam #pushya #pusam #poosam #thai #murugan #karthikeya #skanda #pazhani #tamil #tamilfestivals #festivalsofindia #kavadi #kavadisindhu #kavadichindu
Maha Shivaratri is an ancient & important festival celebrated by many Hindus across the world. From Kashmir to Karnataka, Mauritius to Pakistan, know more about how people observe this festival & the stories behind the rituals. This is Part 1 of the two- part series on Maha Shivaratri. Watch the video here https://youtu.be/CTwubq8Y8W0
Background Music - Shiva Mantra by Madhu Iyer (https://youtu.be/5aGZKrMwlbk)
The Sri Lalitam Trust aims to preserve & propagate the unique yet diverse cultural & spiritual heritage of India through documentaries, concerts, language studies, & educational resources on all media. Read more about us at www.slt.org.in. Show us some love; donate a cup of kaapi here https://www.instamojo.com/@sltrust/
shivaratri #shivratri #mahashivratri #mahashivaratri #rudram #omnamahshivaya #rudramchamakam
Pongal is a harvest festival celebrated by Tamils everywhere. The festival has evolved over centuries into a four-day celebration that brings together friends and family. Games, song & dance, and food form the highlight of Pongal. This podcast explains the rituals and customs associated with the festival, and the unique ways it is celebrated across the world today. Watch the video here https://youtu.be/BA-MFF6CJLo
Background music
Pongalo Pongal, from the movie Mahanadhi, composed by Ilaiyaraja
Kavadi Chindu, by the Carnatic Quartet
The Sri Lalitam Trust aims to preserve & propagate the unique yet diverse cultural & spiritual heritage of India through documentaries, concerts, language studies, & educational resources on all media. Read more about us at www.slt.org.in. Show us some love; donate a cup of kaapi here https://www.instamojo.com/@sltrust/