Tune O Rangeele

 

Asai Mugam - Mahakavi Sri Subramanya Bharatiyar

 

LOOKING LIFE IN THE EYE......

 I have never been on social media platforms till I started Facebook in June this year. I was like a child fascinated by a new toy. I got so engrossed in FB. What I liked about Facebook is the immediate connect I had with everyone. 

A certain thing irked me last week which led me into a self-explanatory monologue on FB about quitting the music field.

To my utter shock, my speech was received as a sob story by my near and dear music lovers. Embarrassed as hell, I removed the post a couple of days ago.

I never react to hatred or contempt, but PITY - NO WAY BOSS. My super-sized self esteem would never allow that.

"Take the bull by its horns" is my motto and my way of life. And that's how it'll remain, no changing that!!

Sun Sahiba Sun (Voyage Of Inspiration)

 

Dikku Theriyatha Kaattil

 Dikku Theriyatha Kaattil - Mahakavi Subramanya Bharathi - Ragamalika - Adi

RADHASHTAMI - 23rd September, 2023

RADHA MUKHA KAMALA - PAPANASAM SIVAN - KAPI - ADI

HAPPY VINAYAKA CHAVITHI!!

 

BONDING MOMENTS…..

 

Sri T. M. Thyagarajan Centenary Year

Dr. G. Baby Sreeram is an authentic disciple of Sangita Kalanidhi late Sri. T. M. Thyagarajan. Highly traditional, extremely talented and 'sampradaya' oriented, Dr. G. Baby Sreeram's presentation runs strictly along the lines of Guru Sri. TMT's unique tradition. 

Dr. G. Baby Sreeram, a well-known and reputed vocal vidushi is renowned within and outside the field of Carnatic music.

(TMT Centenary year- birth date of TMT Sir-28th May, 1923)

Sri. T. M. Thyagarajan Centenary Year

TMT CENTENARY YEAR (28TH MAY 1923-27TH JUNE-2007)

NARAYANA THEERTHA THARANGAM, RAGAM-BRINDAVANI, ADI THALAM.

PALLAVI- RE RE MAANASA GOPAALAM BHAJA DOORE PARIHARA BHOOPAALAM

ANUPALLAVI-AARAADANTARAM AKHILAATHMAKA BODHAANANDA GHANAM BAALAM

CHARANAM-BRINDAAVANA HITHA GOBRUNDHAM DHRUTHA MANDHARAM AKHILA NIGAMA KHANDAM

NANDHA SUNANDHAADHI VANDHYAM ANANYAKA NAARAAYANA THEERTHA YATHI

"I simply love Brindavani ragam. Something about the ragam, takes me instantly to Vrindavan..." My voice trailed off.

TMT Sir lifted his head from the notation book he was scrutinizing. He always carefully chose every krithi, varnam, pallavi or anything for the day's session.

He looked at me for a brief second and went back to looking at the book in his hand.

Clearing my throat and working up some guts I ventured hesitantly, "Can you... could you please compose something for me in Brindavani?!"

My heart beat fast as I waited for his answer.

He once again lifted his head, this time I saw a twinkle in his eyes. He did not reply, he did not nod even as acknowledgement, nothing... there was just this hint of a smile on his face. Bending his head, he went back to searching for the krithi in the book he was holding.

I did not repeat my request. Feeling downcast and embarrassed I finished my class.

On the way back home I consoled myself, "He's a man of few words, he's such a legend, I shouldn't have asked. That probably would have put him in an uneasy position. Probably he thinks I am taking too many liberties....". I decided to apologize to him in my next class for asking him to compose.

I counted every minute for my next class. The day arrived finally. As I sat in front of TMT Sir, my Veena tuned to perfection to Sir's sruthi, I mentally tried to frame my words on how to start the conversation.

 Before I could say anything Sir announced, "Narayana Theertha Tharangam, Brindavani ragam, Adi thalam."

My eyes widened in delight and surprise. I exclaimed, "Brindavani!!"

TMT Sir nodded matter-of-factly. 

I asked hesitantly, "Sir, your composition?"

He looked at me directly, " Yes. You wanted me to compose in Brindavani isn't it? I have composed this for you." He added, "I've even composed a pallavi which I will teach you after this krithi. You can play it in music season."

I was overwhelmed by joy. Sir composed for me, for my sake!!

TMT Sir smiled widely, watching my evident joy.

"Thank you Sir, thank you so much Sir..."

He once again bent his head to look at the notation of the Brindavani krithi which he composed just for me!!

Sri. T. M. Thyagarajan Centenary Year

RE RE MANASA GOPALAM (RAGAM BRINDAVANI, ADI THALAM, NARAYANA THEERTHA THARANGAM- MUSIC SET BY TMT SIR)

 ARCOT MUDALI STREET- (April 1986)

The gate creaked open and I stepped inside the compound. It was a small compound space in front of an old independent house. A small boy of 5 or 6 was running around, naked. He ran to evade his mother who was holding a bowl of food. She ran screaming behind the boy, admonishing him and trying to feed him. Oblivious to the chaos, an old woman sat on the door-step, her head bent over a large plate of some grains on her lap which she was cleaning.

I wondered if Sri. T.M.Thyagarajan lived there.

Clearing my voice I started to ask, "T.M.Thyaga..."

My words stuck in my throat as the harrassed looking mother without even looking in my direction raised a hand to point upwards. Her entire focus was on the boy. Following the direction of her raised hand I looked up to the first floor. There was a house there, but where were the stairs to go upstairs?!

Afraid to ask her one more time I decided to look around for the staircase. I self consciously walked towards the left side of the front yard and to my utter relief found a tiny staircase in the corner.

My heart raced excitedly as I climbed the staircase slowly. Reaching the house on the first floor I glanced at my watch.

It was 4 pm, exact time of appointment fixed by Narendran  for meeting TMT Sir. I was glad that I was on dot. 

The main door was wide open. I stood uncertainly in the doorway as my eyes adjusted to the dull sunlight in the front room.

I found myself staring directly at the figure of the legendary composer/ singer, Sri.T.M.Thyagarajan seated on the floor. He wore a white colour veshti without a shirt. A white towel was casually thrown around his shoulders.

He lifted his head and glanced at me. The first thing that struck me was his eyes, the twinkle in them. The twinkle spoke volumes of his characteristic aloofness born out of tremendous amount of wisdom, self-assurance, extraordinary willpower and his awareness of his own genius mind. That was my first glimpse of the man who was about to change my life through his brand of music.

I folded my hands in Namasthey. He gestured towards the wall opposite to him. Entering nervously I noticed that the room was bare of furniture. I sank to sit down on the floor in front of TMT Sir.

He didn't talk anything and looked at me expectantly.

I started hesitatingly, "Narendran told me..."

He cut me short, "Yes Narendran met me and told me."

Not knowing how to open the topic I said, "I am Gayathri, a veena player..."

"I know. You are well known as Veenai Gayathri", he said with a touch of amusement.

I smiled nervously, "Yes, but of late I am not happy with what I am playing.  I took a break from music for almost 5, 6 years for personal reasons. I  got married, went sailing with my husband who works in ships, I had 2 daughters who are 5 and 2 years old now.'

He nodded, watching me keenly, the twinkle in his eyes brightening by the minute.

I continued with effort, "Now I want to start playing Veena again. I am also getting many offers to perform. But I don't know what to play.....I mean, I feel kind of stuck here." I pointed to my head. 

I continued, "Actually I am unable to create. I am feeling rusted without music for nearly 6 years. I need your guidance, please help me...." my voice trailed off.

Nodding in understanding he bent his head, absently reaching for his snuff box. Opening the box he took out the snuff powder and inhaled it deeply into his nostrils.

Slowly raising his head he said tentatively, "You mean you want to learn from me."

I nodded fervently, "Yes."

"Is there any specific area of music you want to learn?"

I shook my head, "I want to get to the bottom of music, I want to be able to create. I want to graduate to great levels in my musical knowledge."

He nodded. "Are you in touch with your instrument?"

"Yes Sir. In fact my hands can play anything, problem is that I don't know what to play. My mind is kind of stuck."

"So you want to start your regular classes with me. How will you learn? Do you sing?'

My eyes widened in horror, "No no I can't sing. I will repeat whatever you sing on Veena."

"But then, will you bring your Veena for every class?" 

I asked hesitatingly, "Please can I keep a Veena in your house? It is difficult for me to carry it for every class".

He agreed immediately indicating a corner of the small room. "You can keep it here."

"Thank you so much!!" I said fervently.

Glancing at me directly TMT Sir said, "You must learn and abide by my method of teaching, you are already well known. Will you be able to do that?"

I replied emphatically, "I will follow your teachings most loyally Sir. I will learn whatever you feel is right to open up my creative channels."

He smiled and nodded.

"What is your Sruthi?" I asked hesitatingly. "I need to change my Veena strings to your Sruthi for my classes."

He replied, "C."

I mentally zeroed in on Veena string gauge number 29 for the main string.

Fixing up 9 am on April 18th for my first class I rose to leave.

Prostrating to him I took leave of him.

Sri. T. M. Thyagarajan Centenary Year

NARENDRAN AND MYSELF-CONCERT TOUR, US IN 1985, FIRST PHOTO- WITH SRI.TMT

 1985, US TOUR-

I was relieved to see my good friend Narendran (Trichur Narendran) walk into the house with his luggage and mridangam. The concert had to begin in an hour's time and we had to rush to the venue.

I asked him anxiously, "What happened? Why so much delay?!"

He replied tiredly, "As you know this concert was a last minute inclusion and all flights are full, being weekend. At least I managed to get a ticket by a late morning flight. Pittsburg to L.A is a long flight too."

I nodded sympathetically. We rushed to the venue and finished our concert.

Post concert buffet was a nice spread of home cooked South Indian vegetarian food. Caught up with tuning my Veena and preparing for the concert I could not eat anything after an early brunch. My stomach growled midway of the lengthy 3-hours concert. I was ravenous and glanced eagerly at the tempting spread.

The organisers led Narendran and me to the buffet table. I helped myself generously and was about to taste my first mouthful of aromatic avial, my favourite dish.

"At which age did you start learning Veena?" A lady standing next to me asked me eagerly, her eyes shining with adoration.

Trying to swallow quickly I answered, "At 5 or 6. I don't remember."

I eagerly lifted the second spoonful.

"Who are your Gurus?"

I answered patiently, trying to ignore my protesting stomach, "My parents."

Her eyes widened in delight, "How nice!!"

"Gayathri!! Can you remember me? Tell me who I am?"

A voice asked from behind me.

Placing the spoon on the plate I turned around to see an old man. He looked familiar and I looked at him puzzled.

"What was the song you played after Kalyani?" Plate in hand one lady from the other side was asking me ardently.

Next to her was another lady who held my right hand tightly, "Do you remember Uma, your mother's student? I am her Aunt. I live here in L.A." She said, beaming.

I spotted another group of people approaching me, plates in their hands. Gazing longingly at my plate I heaved a sigh of despair.

Narendran was next to me, "I want you to meet somebody."

He led me to a far corner which had 2 chairs and we sat down with our plates.

I asked curiously, "Who did you want me to meet?"

"Nobody! I lied just to make you escape from that group, so that you could have your dinner in peace. Even I am too tired and hungry."

I laughed in relief. "Thanks so much! Really, I'll tell you,  I was about to faint with hunger. Last thing I needed was to be bombarded by questions. My goodness!!" I rolled my eyes.

We ate in silence. We started our conversation after the initial hunger pangs started to subside.

"Narendran, I feel very stagnated. Feeling stuck in my mind musically. You know I was away from music for nearly 5 years. I went sailing with my husband for 2 years and after that my daughters were born. I became too busy with my personal life. I somehow feel my link has been cut off from music. I am feeling inadequate, I am unable to feel fully satisfied with what I am playing."

Narendran listened attentively. He ate a few spoonfuls in silence.

Lifting his head he said, "I think you must go to TMT."

My brows knit in puzzlement. "TMT?"

"T.M.Thyagarajan." He added, "I feel TMT is the only musician who can tap your creativity and release you from the stagnation."

My eyes grew big, "You mean learn from him?!"

"Ya, that's what I meant." He nodded .

My mind worked on the idea, and it began to grow in my thoughts. Even before the end of my concert tour I found myself impatient to reach India to meet the great legend-TMT.

In All Dignity...........

ELECTRIFYING SCENE FROM THE MOVIE BEN-HUR (1959).

Just this scene is enough. It speaks volumes of the spiritual grasp of the Director of American epic religious film Ben-Hur (1959) William Wyler. God in the above scene is aptly portrayed as Supreme Power beyond human comprehension. The countenance of God is not free-for-all. Only the karmically chosen few are awarded a glimpse of His countenance. The layman who's fortunate is awestruck by the glow in the devotee's eyes lighting up at the sight of God. Brilliantly enacted by Charlton Heston, this is a goosebumps scene......

Incredible Cello......

CELLIST SHEKHAR

My good friend and colleague in the film industry, Cellist, Shekhar (son of legendary Kunnakudi Sri. Vaidyanathan) is one of the senior most, topranking and highly sought after Cellists in the cine field. We both recorded our respective instruments together as part of many orchestras for innumerable film recordings and re-recordings for many years. While I branched out into the field of Carnatic music Shekhar continues to play the Cello for leading music directors in the South Indian film industry even today.

In the above clipping he has rendered 'Manasa Sancharare' on the Cello. It's an unheard of feat. Performing the main melody, and that too a Carnatic piece and so aesthetically!!!  I am baffled and speechless to say the least. Mind-blowing!!

CELLO

 

In The Capital - Memories from 2010

Late Ghatam Vidwan, Sri. T.V.Vasan passed away in New Delhi on the 29th of September. He had accompanied me on the mridangam and ghatam for several concerts and I have known him since my Baby Gayathri days. An extremely knowledgeable and versatile musician, he was also a great human being. Destiny brought us together for an official assignment during the last two days of his life. The conference that lasted for nearly 8 hours on both days had many unforgettable moments. Excerpts from our conversation:-

SEPTEMBER 27TH, 2010. 9.50A.M Walking out of the lift I stared at the long, dark corridor which reminded me of a scene in a Japanese horror movie. Not a soul! Was it the wrong floor? Puzzled, I walked slowly past a row of rooms. I was unable to find the name board of the official I was scheduled to meet. Deciding to call the officer I reached for the mobile in my handbag.
"Gaay! Gaay! We are here!!" There was only one musician who called me by that name. Instantly recognising the voice I turned to look behind.TV Vasan was waving at me from the end of the corridor, a broad grin on his face. Feeling relieved I quickened my pace towards him, my footsteps echoing in the hallway.
"Hello! How come I didn't see this room?!"
Preceding me into the room, T.V.Vasan said, "We are the first ones to arrive here!"
Nadaswaram vidwan, Seshampatti Sivalingam was seated in a sofa. Raising his hand in greeting Sivalingam asked me in chaste tamil, "Sowkyama Amma?"
Amidst exchange of pleasantries I learnt that T.V.Vasan and Seshampatti Sivalingam were sharing a hotel room in Karol Bagh.
"If not for Vasan Sir I would never have agreed to come to Delhi. I cannot manage here alone without any knowledge of English or Hindi." Sivalingam said with an innocent smile.
"You know Gaay, I told his wife that I would be his bodyguard in Delhi. I promised to take care  of her husband's safety."  T.V.Vasan laughed, shaking Seshampatti Sivalingam's hand playfully. Seshampatti Sivalingam nodded his head in innocent fervour.
I watched their exchange in amusement, marvelling at the naivette of the veteran Nadaswaram Vidwan.
Turning towards T.V.Vasan I asked,"Oh, so your wife is staying with her brother and family?"
"Ya!"
Wondering about the others who were going to join us I asked,"Who are the others?" The other artistes arrived one by one and we were all shown our assigned seats.T.V.Vasan bent to touch Sri.G.S.Mani's feet,"Namsthey Guruji!"
T.V.Vasan was shown the seat right opposite to me and typically he became the life of the meeting. His anecdotes about musicians, his experiences in the music field and his mimicry of artistes had us in splits.
"Gaay, have you heard Pantula Rama? Her music is superb."
I looked up from my file,"Yeah, I saw her perform on SVBC. Real neat!"
"You know how the announcer in AIR struggled to pronounce her surname?! You Andhra artistes sure have surnames like tongue-twisters. Thank God you call yourself E.Gayathri. What does "E" stand for anyway?" T.V.Vasan asked with a wide grin.
"Echampati".
"Better don't use it! They will call you E Chapathi Gayathri" which drew laughter from everybody including myself.
"Sir, madam, can we see this?" The official smilingly drew our attention to the job on hand.
TV Vasan remarked, "R.K.Srikanthan Mama is out of the world! What a voice he has at his age!" 
I countered, " Kalpagam Swaminathan is like him in veena."
Laying down the pen on his papers, T.V.Vasan stood up and joined his hands, prostrating in respectful acceptance of Smt.Kalpagam Swaminathan's vidwat.
Picking at his lunch, T.V.Vasan asked in general,"Did you know, they spotted a snake at the CWG village?"
"Ya, I read about it in today's paper." I replied.
Evening by 5 p.m. I waved bye to T.V.Vasan, he replied in turn,"Come a little late by 10.15, why hang around here? I will come only by 10.30!"
SEPTEMBER 28TH, 2010. 10.15 A.M
The next day as I walked in by 10.15 in the morning I was surprised to find T.V.Vasan and Seshampatti Sivalingam already seated in the room. Raising my eyebrows I asked, "I thought you said you would be coming only by 10.30!"
Laughing sheepishly T.V.Vasan replied, "No Gaay, I found transportation immediately after breakfast. Instead of waiting in the hotel we both decided to come here and do the waiting."
Sivalingam nodded in agreement.
The work proceeded smoothly, punctuated by T.V.Vasan's jokes and anecdotes, with G.S.Mani contributing his share to the conversation.
Lunch was ordered from Saravana Bhavan and not from the canteen like the previous day.
"What a relief! I am starved." I opened my parcel. Watching T.V.Vasan pick at his food, I told him assuringly, "It is from Saravana Bhavan. You will like it."
"I know, but don't know why, no appetite."
After lunch I proudly showed my grand daughter Shreeya's photo which was on my mobile to T.V.Vasan.
He looked at the photo with a smile, "Looks a lot like your daughter Deepthi."
"Deeptha", I corrected.
"Ya, I remember Deeptha used to come to office with your mother. Your grand daughter looks cute. What's her name?"
"What?! Gayathri has a grand daughter?!" G.S.Mani asked in surprise. I passed my mobile to Sri.Mani with a smile.
Post lunch dragged on. Narendran's heart surgery was brought up in discussion.
"I saw him just 4 days back, before leaving for Delhi. He is recovering well." T.V.Vasan said.
"Gaay, I heard your mother's student! What an expert your mother is in training students to concert level!"
I raised an eyebrow, "Even after she has switched loyalties and changed her style?!"
T.V.Vasan looked at me sharply, "However hard she may try, she cannot conceal all the benefits she has derived from your mother over the years!"
I smiled resignedly. G.S.Mani was telling the group about the power of affirmations.
"I am in my perfect health! I am in my perfect weight! Keep repeating this to yourselves and just watch how your health improves. You will not even put on weight."
"Oh wow!" I said.
The conversation shifted to the untimely demise of Trivandrum Sri.Venkataraman, the great veena vidwan.
"I always used to tell him to get himself a Santro. But he was loyal to his fiat. He used to chide me,'Arre what do you know about my car, just get inside and let me drive you around. You will then know about the greatness of a fiat car!' " T.V.Vasan imitated late Sri.Venkataraman and went on to describe the fatal car accident of Sri.Venkataraman.
"Ya,his accident was horrible! What a loss for the field of veena!"I said and T.V.Vasan nodded fiercely.
Glancing at my watch I saw that it was nearing 5.pm. I was impatient for a long walk to exercise my limbs and to breathe in fresh air.
Shivering, I asked, "Isn't it freezing in here?"
"Wait, let me adjust the temperature." T.V.Vasan went to the window a/c, shutting off the cooler and allowing the fan to run. Looking at me he asked,"Is it better?"
"Ya, now it is better, thank you" I said gratefully.
We signed the register and got up to leave. I told the official, "Please drop me at Khan Market. I want to walk."
The officer looked at me doubtfully,"Do you know your way from there to India International Centre (the place of my stay)?"
"Ya, I know." I assured him.
T.V.Vasan got up and stretched, looking at Seshampatti Sivalingam he asked, " what shall we do today? Even I feel like walking."
"You want to join me for the walk?" I asked T.V.Vasan.
"No, I have a slight catch here (indicating the right side of his lower back), I can't walk too much."
"Oh is it?" my brows knit in concern, I added "Please take it easy. I will see you tomorrow, bye!" I walked along with the official, waving at T.V.Vasan.
I opened the door,"Gaay" T.V.Vasan's voice stopped me in my tracks.
I turned behind to look at him.
"Want me to pick you up tomorrow?"
I thought about it before asking tentatively,"Won't it be difficult for you? You are in Karol Bagh and I am this side in Lodhi Garden."
T.V. Vasan looked thoughful. I assured him,"Please don't worry, I will hail a cab. There are plenty near IIC."
"Ok." As an after thought he added, "Call me if you change your mind."
"Sure". Not knowing that it would be my last glimpse of him, I smiled at him, "Bye!"

SEPTEMBER 29TH, 2010. 10.10 A.M Almost expecting to find T.V.Vasan and Seshampatti Sivalingam, I was surprised to find only two vidushis seated in the room.
"How come T. V.Vasan has still not arrived?!" I asked them.
They nodded in agreement, "Ya even we were saying the same..."
""Did you hear what happened??!!" An anxious voice cut into our conversation. We turned to look at the official who rushed into the room. His face was ashen and his eyes bore the expression of shock and sadness.
We asked in unison, "Yenna, what happened?!!"
"Vasan has had a massive heart attack and is admitted to a hospital!"
"Where?"..... "When?"..... "How?"...... our voices collided with each other in our anxiety.
"This morning, even I haven't got the exact picture. Seshampatti is with him in the hospital. Doctors are giving only 1% guarantee, God.......... I can't believe this!" The official sank into his seat, a look of acute pain across his face.
Trying to digest the news I spoke automatically,"I want to go to the hospital, where is it?"
The officer stopped me,"No point, he is in ICU and we will not be allowed to go inside to see him."
G.S.Mani spoke assuringly, "He will be fine and they will bring him to the ward. Let us all go to see him as soon as he is brought to the ward."
A second official voiced his support,"Nowadays everything is diagnosed as heart attack. A heartburn is interpreted as a heart attack for commercial gains. Vasan was so lively and vibrant! Nothing will happen to him. He will be fine, it must be a case of acidity."
A pall of gloom descended on us and we sat in silence, deeply absorbed in our thoughts about T.V.Vasan and the two days we had spent in his company. The silence was punctuated by phone calls from the hospital and enquiries from well wishers.
Time seemed to drag on indefinitely and at a point I saw the official seated next to me rushing out of the room, the mobile ringing in his hand.
He returned and collapsed in his seat next to me. His attitude and body language confirmed our worst fears.
Holding his head in his hands he whispered,"Vasan passed away."
All of us stared at each other in utter disbelief. Turning my head, I looked at the seat right opposite to me. It seemed to echo with T.V.Vasan's laughter and chatter, his smiling countenance flashing before my eyes.
T.V.Vasan's offer to pick me up on his way to office still ringing in my ears, I prepared to go to the hospital with the group of officials and artistes. The bumpy ride to the hospital in an old car with all the men squeezed together in the back seat seemed to stretch endlessly. I glimpsed at my raw silk saree, which looked glaringly incongruous in the given situation."Ek Do Teen............" the song playing on the sound system blared loudly, scraping on my nerves. Something snapped within me and I turned sharply towards the car driver. Sensitive to my gaze he explained, "Wo gaana bahar se hain, gaadi ke andar nahin."
Walking like a zombie along with the group through the hateful hospital corridors, I reached the ICU where T.V.Vasan had been struggling for his life for the past few hours. I could not believe the sight of his lifeless face, slightly darkened by the pain and struggle of the past few hours.
Aware of his soul hovering near the body, I tried to communicate, "You are with God."
I found his dazed wife, leaning against a wall in the far end of the hospital corridor.Tongue-tied and speechless with grief I managed to press her hand silently as she gazed at me, her eyes vacant.
Back in the office, at 5 pm after signing the register I eagerly turned the pages backwards.
The official tried to take the book from my hands, explaining "No need Madam, those are yesterday's papers."
Taking the register back from his hand I said, "I know that, I just wanted to look at T.V.Vasan's signature."
The official nodded sadly as he handed me back the register.
(Sri.T.V.Vasan told us conversationally that he would wake up at 2.30 in the morning in his hotel room to do abhishekam for "saligramam" , sandhyaavandanam and other pooja routine. He had obviously completed his pooja routine even on the day of his demise. Soul departing from the northern region of human body attains "Urdhva Lokas" [residence of the Devas] according to our Upanishads.Sri T.V.Vasan passing away in the northern region of our country and so close to the "Deva Bhoomis" [Haridwar, Rishikesh etc.,]is a sure indicator of his soul's after-life journey.)

Blissful Seva

This blessed couple and their sweet baby Aindra lead a blissful life of 'seva' in my most favourite place in the whole world-Vrindavan. This Russian gentleman and his wife, previously a Ukrainian model lead a life filled with golden moments of service to Krishna devotees and cows and other animals. Watching their 'seva' is absolutely blissful...... (courtesy- Krishna's Food&Travel). 

DHARMAVATI/RASIKARANJANI

GRAHA BHEDAM- DHARMAVATI TO RASIKARANJANI BY DELETING SHADJAMAM AND PANCHAMAM OF DHARMAVATI AND ADAPTING RISHABHAM AS ADHAARA SHADJAMAM….
 

HAMSANANDHI/HINDOLAM

 

RANDOMLY RECORDED DURING PRACTICE ON 1ST APRIL, 2023 

Main Scale (main ragam) is Hamsanandhi, Hindolam is derived through graha bhedam by deleting the shadjamam of Hamsanandhi and adapting the rishabham as shadjamam.

Please note that the recording starts midway from the graha bhedam (Hindolam) and ends by merging with the main ragam Hamsanandhi.

HAPPY UGADI

NAMA BHAJARE (MAND RAGAM-COMPOSED BY SRI.PAPANASAM SIVAN)

Really happy Ugadi and Gudi Padwa with the talented and enterprising sisters Anjani (Veena) and Aswini (mridangam) at their residence.

Icing on the cake was an impromptu music session with Aswini's mridangam whose playing is marked by maturity and innate artistic brilliance. 

SAY YOU'LL BE THERE- SPICE GIRLS

A 90S RECORDING- REMIX OF SAY YOU'LL BE THERE (SPICE GIRLS)

MUSIC AND MIXING BY SURESH GOPALAN OF CHARSUR.

GHATAM-DR.S.KARTHIK 

 

Ragams of Sri Srinivasa Gadyam (SHOKAVARALI/MADHYAMAVATHI)

 SHOKAVARALI/MADHYAMAVATHI

RAGAMS OF SRI SRINIVASA GADYAM (recorded on 18th March, 2023, Saturday, Ekadasi, Sravana Nakshatram)

The avarohanam of Shokavarali can be compared to the knight's moves on a chessboard. Complex and restrictive. On the bright side the avarohanam by itself is an alaap. I have merely shown the arohana-avarohanam of Shokavarali. 

(Reference- Hema Ramanathan's Raga Lakshana Sangraha about Shokavarali-spelt as Sokavarali).

Ascent- S G M N D

Descent- P M G R M G R S.

Shokavarali is a janya ragam of Dhenuka. The raga in arohanam does not touch the top Sa. The raga Shokavarali, like its name has heavy undercurrents of pathos. I found this ragam appealing on the mandhara string (thrid base sarani string). Just like how a person who is deeply steeped in misery is unable to find relief, Shokavarali does not allow the relieving top note of shadjama to be touched. The person is depressed and gets into more complications depicted by the descent of the ragam.

Interestingly Sri Srinivasa Gadyam ragams are a mixture of different ragas expressing variety of emotions, All emotions which originate from God find their destination in Him. 

CHANDRAJYOTHI/GAMBHIRA NATA

CHANDRAJYOTHI.

CHANDRAJYOTHI IS JANYA OF PAVANI. (GAMBHIRA NATA IS DERIVED THROUGH SRUTHI BHEDAM BY ADAPTING SHUDDHA GANDHARAM AS ADHARA SHADJAMAM AND AT THE SAME TIME BY DELETING THE ADHARA SHADJAMAM OF CHANDRAJYOTHI ).

 Chandrajyothi Arohanam- S R1 G1 M2 P D2 S

Avarohanam- S D2 P M2 G1 R1 S

 

MARS IN ARDRA ( 27TH MARCH TO 22ND APRIL, 2023)- RUDRA THANDAVAM

RUDRA THANDAVAM

The fiery planet Mars entered Gemini (owned by enemy Mercury) on the 13th of March, 2023. Bracing for the entry of Mars into all the 4 padas of Ardra nakshatra (owned by Rahu) from 27th March to 22nd April, hardly 2 weeks away from now. Period of turbulence. Unexpected events, certainly not of a pleasant kind can be anticipated. One may recall Mars transit in Ardra nakshatra between 24th April to 17th May 2021 when people's lives were tossed and turned due to the nightmarish second wave of Corona.

With the threat of H3N2 and H1N1 looming large, precautions in general and in personal matters (nature of problems depends on Gemini's position from one's moon sign or ascendant. The placement of one's natal Mars, or its Lordship of Dasa- Bhukthi also have to be taken into account). Prayers to Lord Subramanya or Lord Narasimha can help to some extent.

Ardra being the nakshatra of Lord Rudra, parayanam (chanting) of Shiva Kavacham is highly recommended. 

In the meantime the planet of communication Mercury enters Aries (owned by Mars) in a parivartana yoga (exchange yaga) with Mars. Mercury remains in Aries between 31st of March to the 14th of May. Prior to its retrograde movement Mercury becomes stationary around the 21st of April just as Mars prepares to leave Ardra. The movement and condition of the planet of speed and communication Mercury has to be tracked for its significant impact on Mars and vice versa.

BHOGAVASANTHAM/SUDDHADHANYASI

 BHOGAVASANTHAM - Exotic, ethereal, elusive…… (IDENTIFY AADHARA SHADJAM TO UNRAVEL BHOGAVASANTHAM)

Bhogavasantham is a janya of Kamavardhini Aarohana-avarohanam-S R1 G2 M2 D1 N2 S-S N2 D1 M2 G2 R1 S. The alapana started with graha bhedam from antara gandharam as aadhara shadjam. Ragam Suddhadhanyasi is derived by deleting shadjamam of Bhogavasantham (shadjama varjyam) and adapting Suddha rishabham as aadhara shadjamam. The note which sounds like an anya swara is the actual adhaara shadjamam of Bhogavasantham.

Om Aim Hreem Shreem Shashaankasekhara Praana Vallabhaayai Namo Namaha.......

          HANDWRITTEN BY SMT. KOORMANAYAKI

(Mobile recording at home, Chennai on 11th February, 2023)

This ghazal-style-romantic devotional song is penned by Sri. Basavaraju Apparao.

Music is by the legendary Sri. Voleti Venkateswarulu and originally sung by melody queen Smt. Vedavathi Prabhakar and broadcast by All India Radio, Vijayawada in the 60s.

This haunting melody tempted me to me to try it out on Veena (impromptu) during my practice which I casually recorded on my mobile phone. The melody brought visions of love between Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi in Sri. Kalidasa's Kumarasambhava.

Kumarasambhavam-

Upaathavarne Charithe Pinaakinaha Savaashpakanthaskhalithaihi

Aneykashaha Kinnararaajakanyaka Vanaanthasangeethasakheerarodayath.

Meaning- Parvathi was going to the woods for learning music with Kinnara maidens who are famous for their sweet voices and knowledge of music. There they all used to sing in praise of the heroic deeds of Shiva. The songs used to make a powerful impression on Parvathi, that she often wept and could utter only faltering words, her voice being choked with tears. The princesses of Kinnara, sympathising with the lovelorn Parvathi wept along with her.

SRI GURU GITA-10 (Chapter-1)

MAHAPERIYAVA

91) GUKAARAM CHA GUNAATHEETHAM RUKAARAM ROOPAVARJITHAM

GUNAATHEETHA MAROOPAM CHA YO DADYAA THSA GURU SMRUTHAHA.

Meaning- 'GU' means beyond natural tendencies. 'RU' means the state of formlessness. The true Spiritual Master is one who grants that which is beyond nature and form.

92) ATHRINETHRA SSHIVA SSAAKSHAATH DWIBAAHU SHCHA HARIHI SMRUTHAHA

YO CHATHURVADANO BRAHMAA SHREEGURUHU KADHITHAHA PRIYE.

Meaning- O Beloved! Spiritual Master is truly and absolutely Lord Shiva without third eye, Lord Hari with only 2 arms and Lord Brahma without 4 faces.

93) AYAM MAYAANJALI RBADDHO DAYAA SAAGARA SIDDHAYE

YADANUGRAHATHO JANTHUHU CHITHRA SAMSAARA MUKTHI BHAAK.

Meaning- Man is freed from the complex material world due to the grace of the Spiritual Master. I stretch my arms with open palms to appeal to such a Supreme Spiritual Master.

94) SHREEGUROHO PARAMAM ROOPAM VIVEKA CHAKSHU RAGRATHAHA

MANDABHAAGYAA NA PASHYANTHI ANDHAA SSOORYODAYAM.

Meaning- Man who is wisest is able to witness the Supreme form of the Spiritual Master right in front of himself. People who are unfortunate and blind are unable to find the Guru's form which is like the sunrise (meaning- only the wisest witness sunrise, even if unable to witness sunrise with naked eye, one should be up and about before sunrise to welcome it).

95) KULAANAAM KULAKOTEENAAM THAARAKA STHATHRA THATHAKSHANAATH

ATHA STHAM SADGURUM GNYAATHVAA THRIKAALA MABHIVAADAYETH.

Meaning- The true Spiritual Master is One sho grants liberation to people belonging to crores of religions/castes. Therefore it is essential to identify such a Guru and offer prayers to Him during 'thrikalam' ( 3 times of the day- morning, noon and evening. To my knowledge any sloka or mantra when recited punctually at 6 AM- 12 NOON- 6 PM yields powerful results).

96) SHREE NAADHA CHARANA DWANDWAM YASYAAM DISHI VIRAAJITHEY

THASYAAM DISHA NAMASKURYAATH BHAKTHYAA PRATHIDINAM PRIYE.

Meaning- One must offer prayers everyday in the direction shown by the two feet of the Spiritual Master who is the form of Lord Vishnu.

97) SAASHTAANGA PRANIPAATHENA STHUVA NNITHYAM GURUM BHAJETH

BHAJANAATH SDHAIRYA MAAPNOTHI SWASWAROOPAMAYO BHAVETH.

Meaning- One must perform 'sashtanga danda pranamam' (lying on the stomach,  prostrate and erect on the floor like a stick). SASHTANGA- 6 PARTS OF THE BODY- TOES, KNEES, HANDS, CHIN, NOSE AND TEMPLE TOUCHING THE GROUND;  'DANDA PRANAMAM'- 2 PARTS OF THE BODY- KNEES AND FOREHEAD TOUCHING THE GROUND. By prostrating like this one will be able to retain the wisdom of knowledge. He becomes the Supreme form.

98) DORBHYAAM PADBHYAAM CHA JAANUBHYAA MURASAA SHIRASAA DRUSHAA

MANASAA VACHASAA CHETHI PRANAAMO SHTAANGA UCHYATHEY.

Meaning- Ashtanga namaskaram means prostration performed by hands, feet, knees, chest, head, eyes, mind and speech.

99) THASYAI DISHEY SATHATHA MANJALI REYSHA NITHYAM

PRAKSHIPYATHAAM MUKHARITHAI RMADHURAIHI PRASOONAIHI.

JAAGARTHI YATHRA BHAGAVAAN GURUCHAKRAVARTHEE 

VISHWASTHITHI PRALAYA NAATAKA NITHYASAAKSHEE.

Meaning- One must offer prayers akin to fragrant flowers in open palms to the God and Spiritual Master who is the Eternal Witness of the existence of Universe and the drama of Destruction.

100) ABHYASTHAIHI KIMU DEERGHAKAALA VIMALAI RVYAADHIPRADAI RDUSHKARAIHI

PRAANAAYAAMASHATHAI RANEKA KARANAI RDUKHAATHMAKAI RDURJARAIHI

YASMI NNABHYUDITHEY VINASHYATHI BALEE VAAYU SSVAYAM THATHKSHANAATH

PRAAPTHUM THATHSAHAJA SVABHAAVA MANISHAM SEYVEYTHA CHAIKAM GURUM.

Meaning- There are innumerable varieties of 'pranayama' (breathing techniques in 'yoga'). Many of them are general and easy to practice, many of them may result in health complications if they are not practiced correctly, many are not meant to be practiced and require stringent rules to be followed, many of them are impossible to master. Where is the need for hundreds of such 'pranayama' techniques? The knowledge of the Spiritual Master gives us natural control of our most potent life force energy. We must at all times worship such a Spiritual Master who is one with nature.

SRI GURU GITA-9 (Chapter-1)

SHIRDI SAIBABA

81) GURUMADHYE SDHITHAM VISHWAM VISHWAMADHYE SDHITHO GURUHU

GURU RVISHWAM NA CHAANYOSTHI THASMAI SHREE GURAVEY NAMAHA.

Meaning- The entire Universe is within the Spiritual Master and the Spiritual Master is within the Universe. The Universe and the Spiritual Master are one and the same. I prostrate to such a Guru.

82) BHAVAARANYA PRAVISHTASYA DINGMOHA BHRAANTHA CHEYTHASAHA

YENA SANDARSHITHA PANDHAAHA THASMAI SHREE GURAVEY NAMAHA.

Meaning- When one enters the horrific forest of life and when one's mind is in a turmoil not knowing where to go, it is the Spiritual Master who takes charge and leads on the correct path to safety and enlightenment. I prostrate to such a Guru.

83) THAAPATHRAYAAGNITHAPTHAANAA MASHAANTHA PRAANINAAM MUDHEY

GURU REYVA PARAA GANGAA THASMAI SHREE GURAVEY NAMAHA.

Meaning- The souls of human beings are scorched by the three fires namely-'Adhyathmikam' (suffering caused by own self), 'adibhautikam' (suffering caused by the outside situations/people), 'adideivikam' (suffering caused by powers beyond our ken/paranormal). The Spiritual Master flows as the great Ganges to cool the burnt souls of human beings and grant them supreme bliss. I prostrate to such a Guru. ('Adi' means relating to).

84) AGNYAANEY NAAHINAA GRASTHAAHA PRAANINA STHAAN CHIKITHSAKAHA

VIDYAASWAROOPO BHAGAVAAN THASMAI SHREE GURAVEY NAMAHA.

Meaning- Humans suffer the stings of horrific serpents of  ignorance. Only the Spiritual Master is capable of healing. I prostrate to the Spiritual Master, who is the epitome of Supreme Knowledge.

85) HEYTHAVEY JAGATHAA MEYVA SAMSAARAARNAVASEYTHAVEY

PRABHAVEY SARVAVIDYAANAAM SHAMBHAVEY GURAVEY NAMAHA.

Meaning- The Spiritual Master is the Creator of all the worlds, the 'Sethu' (bridge) of life which is full of complexities, the Lord of all the knowledgeable subjects and the One who grants abundance and prosperity to all living beings. I prostrate to such a Guru.

86) DHYAANAMOOLAM GURORMOORTHIHI POOJAAMOOLAM GUROHPADAM

MANTHRAMOOLAM GURORVAAKYAM MUKTHIMOOLAM GUROHKRUPAA.

Meaning- The Form of the Spiritual Master is the essence of meditation, the Feet of the Spiritual Master is the core of worship (pooja), the Words of the Spiritual Master are the sacred verses (mantra), the Grace of the Spiritual Master is the path to liberation.

87) SAPTHA SAAGARA PARYANTHA THEERDHASNAANAPHALAM THU YATH

GUROHO PAADODABINDO SHCHA SAHASRAAMSHENA THATHPHALAM.

Meaning- All the holy rivers that have flown across the seven great oceans are equal to the one thousandth of a drop of water that covers the Feet of the Spiritual Master.

88) SHIVEY RUSHTEY GURU STHRAATHAA GURAU RUSHTEYNA KASHCHANA

LABDHVAA KULAGURUM SAMYAGGURU MEYVA SAMAASHRAYETH.

Meaning- The Spiritual Master rescues us from the anger of Lord Shiva, but none has the power to rescue when the Spiritual Master is enraged. That is why it is essential to first of all approach the Master of one's sect ('Kula Guru'). Only after that one must surrender oneself to the Spiritual Master of Supreme Knowledge ('Gnyaana Guru').

89) MADHULUBDHO YADHAA BHRUNGAHA PUSHPAA THPUSHPAANTHARAM VRAJETH

GNYAANALUBDHA STHADHAA SISHYO GURO RGURVANTHARAM VRAJETH.

Meaning- The bee which desires honey flies from one flower to another flower. Similarly one who desires Supreme Knowledge should leave the material Master to reach the Spiritual Master who is the epitome of Knowledge.

90) VANDEY GURUPADA DVANDVAM VAANGMANOTHEETHA GOCHARAM

SHWETHA RAKTHA PRABHAABHINNAM SHIVASHAKTHYAATHMAKAM PARAM.

Meaning- The Supreme Feet of the Spiritual Master are beyond the comprehension of human mind and beyond the expression of human words. They represent the joint forms of Shiva and Shakthi glowing brilliantly in white and red colors. 

SRI GURU GITA-8 (Chapter-1)

SWAYAM PRAKASHA AVADOOTHA SWAMIGAL, SENDAMANGALAM 

71)YASYA GNYAATHAM MATHAM THASYA MATHAM YASYA NA VEDA SAHA

ANANYABHAAVABHAAVEYNA THASMAI SHREE GURAVEY NAMAHA.

Meaning- Whatever the Spiritual Master knows is the religion of every human being.Whatever is unknown to the Spiritual Master is not a religion (there is nothing/no matter which is beyond the comprehension of the omnipresent Spiritual Master, such a thing is considered nonexistent and therefore disregarded). I prostrate to the Spiritual Master who possesses such an abundance of knowledge.

72) YASMAI KAARANAROOPAAYA KAARYAROOPEYNA BHAATHI YATH

KAARYA KAARANA ROOPAAYA THASMAI SHREE GURAVEY NAMAHA.

Meaning- He is the personification of reason/purpose. But He shines as a personification of action. I prostrate to such a Spiritual Master who is an epitome of purpose and action.

73) NAANAA ROOPA MIDAM VISHWAM NA KEYNAAPYASTHI BHINNATHAA

KAARYA KAARANA ROOPAAYA THASMAI SHREE GURAVEY NAMAHA.

Meaning- The universe in all its complexities is not different or apart from the Spiritual Master (Guru). I prostrate to such a Spiritual Master who is an epitome of purpose and action.

74) GNYAANA SHAKTHI SAMAAROODHA THATHVAMAALAA VIBHOOSHINEY

BHUKTHI MUKTHI PRADAATHREY CHA THASMAI SHREE GURAVEY NAMAHA.

Meaning- The Spiritual Master who is decorated by the garland of knowledge grants material fulfillment and liberation to His devotees. I prostrate to such a Spiritual Master.

75) ANEYKA JANMA SAMPRAAPTHA KARMABANDHAVIDAAHINEY

GNYAANAANALA PRABHAAVEYNA THASMAI SHREE GURAVEY NAMAHA.

Meaning- The karmic tendencies of many birth cycles become one's inherent qualities. The karmic tendencies are burnt to ashes by the knowledge of the Spiritual Master. I prostrate to such a Guru.

76) SOSHANAM BHAVASINDHO SHCHA DEEPANAM KSHARASAMPADAAM

GUROHO PAADODAKAM YASYA THASMAI SHREE GURAVEY NAMAHA.

Meaning- The Spiritual Master's 'paadodakam' (nectar from His Feet) has the power to drain the ocean of 'samsara' (material world) and to enhance material prosperity which is diminishing. I prostrate to the Spiritual Master whose Feet exude nectar.

77) NA GURO RADHIKAM THATHVAM NA GURO RADHIKAM THAPAHA

NA GURO RADHIKAM GNYAANAM THASMAI SHREE GURAVEY NAMAHA.

Meaning- There is no power greater than the Spiritual Master, there is no penance greater than the Spiritual Master and there is no knowledge superior to the Spiritual Master (Guru).I worship such a Guru.

78) MANNAADHAHA SHREE JAGANNAADHO MADGURUHU SHREE JAGATGURUHU

MAMAATHMAA SARVABHOOTHAATHMAA THASMAI SHREE GURAVEY NAMAHA.

Meaning- Shree Jagannatha is my Lord, the Universal Spiritual Master (Jagatguru) is my Guru, all the living entities are my soul. I prostrate to the Spiritual Master who gives me such knowledge.

79) GURU RAADI RANAADISHCHA GURUHU PARAMADAIVATHAM

GURUMANTHRASAMONAASTHI THASMAI SHREE GURAVEY NAMAHA.

Meaning- Spiritual Master is the personification of the origin. Yet He is ageless and has no beginning. 'Guru mantra' (prayers to the Spirtual Master) is unparalleled. I prostrate to such a Spiritual Master.

80) EKA EVA PARO BANDHU RVISHAMEY SAMUPASTHITHEY

GURU SSAKALA DHARMAATHMAA THASMAI SHREE GURAVEY NAMAHA.

Meaning- During life's worst calamities, the Spiritual Master is the only relative who comes to the rescue. I prostrate to such a Spiritual Master.

SRI GURU GITA-7 (Chapter-1)

BHAGAVAN NITYANANDA

Bhagavan Nityananda (1897-1961), one of the most revered Siddha Gurus and a janma Siddha-He lived all His life in divine consciousness. 

61)  STHAAVARAM JANGAMAM VYAAPTHAM YATHKINCHI THSACHARAACHARAM

THVAM PADAM DARSHITHAM YENA THASMAI SHREE GURAVEY NAMAHA.

Meaning- This entire creation is filled with moving and nonmoving beings. All this represents 'You' (thvam). The Great Personage who makes one realise that 'You' (thvam) is none other than the Spiritual Master (Guru).

62) CHINMAYA VYAAPITHAM SARVAM THRAILOKYAM SACHARAACHARAM

ASITHVAM DARSHITHAM YENA THASMAI SHREE GURAVEY NAMAHA.

Meaning- You are 'that' (asi) which pervades the entire Universe consisting of moving and nonmoving beings. I prostrate to the Lord Spiritual Master who grants me the vision of 'that' (asi).

63) NIMISHAA NNIMISHAARDHAA DVAA YADVAAKYAA DVAI VIMUCHYATHEY

SVAATHMAANAM SHIVA MAALOKYA THASMAI SHREE GURAVEY NAMAHA.

Meaning- By the sheer command of the Spiritual Master, one obtains vision (Darshan) of one's soul in the form of Lord Paramashiva just within the time of batting one's eyelids, or in just half the time of batting eyelids. I prostrate to such a 'Guru'.

64) CHAITHANYAM SHAASHVATHAM SHAANTHAM VYOMAATHEETHAM NIRANJANAM

NAADABINDUKALAATHEETHAM THASMAI SHREE GURAVEY NAMAHA.

Meaning- The One who is an epitome of cosmic consciousness (intelligence), permanence, tranquility, the One who is more limitless than the sky, the One who is absolutely untouched, the One who is an authority over 'nada' (sound- the first cosmic vibration)), 'bindu' (dot- Parashakthi) and 'kala' (consciousness)..my salutations to such a Spiritual Master.

65) NIRGUNAM NIRMALAM SHAANTHAM JANGAMAM STHIRA MEYVA CHA

VYAAPTHAM YENA JAGA THSARVAM THASMAI SHREE GURAVEY NAMAHA.

Meaning- One who is untouched by senses, the One who is calm, tranquil, the One who does not waver and is determined and unmoved, such a Spiritual Master is the God who pervades this entire Universe. My salutations to Him.

66) SA PITHAA SA CHA MEY MAATHAA SA BANDHU SSA CHA DEYVATHAA

SAMSAARAMOHANAASHAAYA THASMAI SHREE GURAVEY NAMAHA.

Meaning- Only He is the Father, only He is the Mother, only He is the relative, only He is God. I worship such a Spiritual Master in order to get rid of my desire for this material world.

67) YATHSATHVEYNA JAGA THSATHTHVAM YATHPRAKAASHEYNA BHAATHI THATH

YADAANANDEYNA NANDANTHI THASMAI SHREE GURAVEY NAMAHA.

Meaning- The entire Universe is due to the existence of the Spiritual Master, the entire Universe is filled with light due to His radiance, the entire Universe is filled with joy due to His blissful form. I offer my felicitations to such a Spiritual Master.

68) YASMIN STHITHA MIDAM SARVAM BHAATHI YADBHAAVAROOPATHAHA

YATHPREETHYAA PRIYAM PUTHRAADI THASMAI SHREE GURAVEY NAMAHA.

Meaning- The entire Universe seems aglow because it is contained within the radiance of the Spiritual Master. Love and affection for one's children and kith and kin originate from one's love and devotion towards the Spiritual Master. My salutations to such a Guru.

69) YE NEYDAM DARSHITHAM THATHVAM CHITTHA CHAITHYAADIKAM THADHAA

JAAGRATHSVAPNASUSHUPTHYAADI THASMAI SHREE GURAVEY NAMAHA.

Meaning- Mind (perception), its conceptions, wakeful (jagrat), dream (svapna) and deep sleep (sushupti) states are activated by the grace of the Spiritual Master. I salute such a Guru.

70) YASYA GNYAANA MIDAM VISHVAM NA DRUSHYAM BHINNABHEYDATHAHA

SADAIKAROOPAROOPAAYA THASMAI SHREE GURAVEY NAMAHA.

Meaning- This entire Universe is a form of His knowledge. As one views the Universe as complex and varied,  the uniqueness of the Spiritual Master stands out in one's vision. He has only one form at all times. I prostrate to such a Spiritual Master.

SRI GURU GITA-6 (Chapter-1)

 

SARPAROOPA SHAYANA DATTATREYA IN THE FORM OF A SNAKE   ( Varadavelli, TELANGANA). Here Lord Guru Dattatreya is worshipped for the appeasement of the shadowy planet Rahu in one's horoscope (for Rahu-related transit/Dasa/Bhukthi)

51)KARMANAA MANASAA VAACHAA SARVADAA RAADHAYE DGURUM

DEERGHA DANDAM NAMASKRUTHYA NIRLAJJO GURUSANNIDHAU.

Meaning- A devotee, at all times, has to dedicate himeself to the Spiritual Master in mind, speech and action. The devotee should prostrate fully (full-bodied prostration) without any inhibitions.

52) SHAREERA MINDRIYAM PRAANA MARDHA SVAJANA BAANDHAVAAN

AATHMARAADAADIKAM SARVAM SADGURUBHYO NIVEYDAYETH.

Meaning- The devotee has to offer one's body, sensory organs, life, wealth, kith and kin, relatives, spouse towards the service of the Spiritual Master.

53) GURU REKO JAGATHSARVAM BRAHMAVISHNU SHIVAATHMAKAM

GUROHO PARATHARAM NAASTHI THASMAA THSAMPOOJAYE DGURUM.

Meaning- The entire Universe is represented by the Spiritual Master (Guru). Guru is the joint form of  Lords Brahma-Vishnu- Shiva. There is no greater power than the Spiritual Master. Therefore one must worship the Spiritual Master with dedication and devotion.

54) SARVASHRUTHI SHIRORATHNA VIRAAJITHA PADAAMBUJAM

VEDAANTHAARDHA PRAVAKTHAARAM THASMAA THSAMPOOJAYE DGURUM.

Meaning- One should recognize the Spiritual Master as One who is an epitome of the lotus-like verses of gems called Upanishads. Guru has to be recognized as the Spiritual Master who expounds and preaches the doctrines of the great Vedic philosophy.

55) YASYA SMARANA MAATHRENA GNYAANA MUTHPADYATHE SVAYAM

SA EVA SARVASAMPATTHI THASMAA THSAMPOOJAYE DGURUM.

Meaning- The mere thought of the Spiritual Master invokes knowledge most naturally. Guru represents prosperity and abundance, therefore He should be celebrated perfectly.

56) KRIMIKOTIBHI RAAVISHTAM DURGANDHA MALAMOOTHRAKAM

SLESHMARAKTHATHVACHAAMAAMSAI RNADDHAM CHAITHA DVARAANANEY.

Meaning- O Auspicious One! O Parvathi! This body is the residence of crores of worms. It is filled with stench-filled bodily excretions like urine and faeces. It is a bag of mucus, blood, skin, flesh and such derogatory matter (it is important to understand this fact in order to dedicate oneself to the Spiritual Master).

57) SAMSAARA VRUKSHA MAAROODHAAHA PATHANTHI NARAKAARNAVEY

YASTHAA NUDDHARATHEY SARVAAM STHASMAI SHREE GURAVEYNAMAHA.

Meaning- All those who have climbed up the tree of materialism (samsara) have all fallen down into the ocean of hell. Salute to the great Spiritual Master who rescues the fallen ones.

58) GURU RBRAHMA GURU RVISHNU RGURU RDEVO MAHESHWARAHA

GURU SSAAKSHAA THPARABRAHMA THASMAI SHREE GURAVE NAMAHA.

Meaning- The Spiritual Master is Lord Brahma, He is Lord Vishnu, and He is the God Maheshwara. Guru is Supreme Power. I prostrate to such a Spiritual Master.

59) AGNYAANATHIMIRAANDHASYA GNYAANAANJANA SHALAAKAYA

CHAKSHU RUNMEELITHAM YENA THASMAI SHREE GURAVE NAMAHA.

Meaning- The Spiritual Master opens the eyes of a devotee (blinded by ignorance) with the stick of collyrium called knowledge. I prostrate to such a Spiritual Master.

60) AKHANDAMANDALAAKAARAM VYAAPTHAM  YENA CHARAACHARAM

THATHPADAM DARSHITHAM YENA THASMAI SHREE GURAVE NAMAHA.

Meaning- The Spiritual Master is Omnipresent, pervading the entire Universe which is filled with all living entities (moving and nonmoving). I prostrate to Him such a Spiritual Master who grants the vision (Darshan) of 'thath' (the Supreme Spirit). 

SRI GURU GITA-5 (Chapter-1)

GANDHARVA MUSICIANS OF THE HAHA-HUHU CLAN (STONE CARVINGS IN MAMALLAPURAM)

41) SVAASHRAMAM CHA SVAJAATHIM CHA SVAKEERTHIM PUSHTIVARDHANAM

ETHATHSARVAM PARITHYAJYA GURU MEYVA SAMAASHRAYETH.

Meaning- One should reject one's Ashramam (brahmacharya-student;  grihastha -householder; or vanaprastha-retired), one's fame and all material comforts that enhance one's prosperity, one must abandon all this and seek refuge in the Spiritual Master (Guru).

42) ANANYAA SCHINTHAYANTHO YE SULABHAM PARAMAM SUKHAM

THASMAATHSARVA PRAYATHNEYNA GURO RAARAADHANAM KURU.

Meaning- The Spiritual Master is the One who grants the  easiest means to bliss to His devotees who have unwavering minds. Seek refuge in such a Spiritual Master.

43) GURUVAKTHREY STHITHAA VIDYAA GURUBHAKTHYAA CHA LABHYATHEY

THRAILOKYE SPHUTAVAKTHAARO DEVARSHI PITHRUMAANAVAAHA.

Meaning- The light of knowledge that glows on the countenance of the Spiritual Master is obtained only through devotion towards Him (Guru). Spirits of departed ancestors (pithru devathas), celestial beings (Deva Rishis) and human beings belonging to all the three worlds declare this as the Ultimate Truth.

44) GUKAARA SHCHAANDHAKAARO HI RUKAARA STHEJA UCHCHYATHE

AGNYAANA GRAASAKAM BRAHMA GURU REYVA NA SAMSHAYAHA.

Meaning- 'Gu' means pitch darkness. 'Ru' means brilliant light. The Spiritual Master is the God who expels the darkness of ignorance completely. There is no doubt about this.

45) GUKAARA SHCHCHANDHAKAARA STHU RUKAARA STHANNIRODHAKRUTH

ANDHAKAARA VINAASHITHVAA DGURU RITHYABHIDHEEYATHEY.

Meaning- 'Gu' indicates darkness, 'Ru' prevents darkness. A Spiritual Master who completely eradicates darkness is the One who bears the title of Guru.

46) GUKAARASHCHA GUNAATHEETHO ROOPAATHEETHO RUKAARAKAHA

GUNAROOPA VIHEENATHVAA DGURU RITHYABHIDHEEYATHE.

Meaning-  'Gu' indicates that which is beyond human tendencies, while 'Ru' indicates that which is formless. The Spiritual Master (Guru) is devoid of nature or form.

47) GUKAARAHA PRADHAMO VARNAHA MAAYAADI GUNABHAASAKAHA

RUKAAROSTHI PARAM BRAHMA MAAYAABHRAANTHI VIMOCHAKAM.

Meaning- The first letter 'Gu' indicates illusion and matters related to illusion ('Maya'), the second letter 'Ru' indicates Supreme Power which eradicates 'Maya' (illusion).

48) EVAM GURUPADAM SREYSHTAM DEYVAANAA MAPI DURLABHAM

HAAHAA HOOHOO GANAI SHCHAIVA GANDHARVAADYAI SHCHA POOJITHAM.

Meaning- Therefore the term 'GURU' is the greatest of all. Even Devas (celestial beings) cannot attain this. Celestial musicians of the Gandharva clan known as Haha and Huhu worship such a Spiritual Master (Guru).

49) DHRUVAM THEYSHAAM CHA SARVEYSHAAM NAASTHI THATHVAM GUROHO PARAM

GURO RAARAADHANAM KURYAATH SAJEEVATHVAM NIVEYDAYETH.

Meaning- There is no greater God than 'Guru' (Spiritual Master) for everybody. One must adore Guru. One must dedicate his life to the Spiritual Master.

50) AASANAM SHAYANAM VASTHRAM VAAHANAM BHOOSHANAADIKAM

SAADHAKEYNA PRADAATHAVYAM GURUSANTHOSHAKAARANAM.

Meaning- To please the Spiritual Master the devotee must offer seat, bed, clothing, vehicle, ornaments and accessories to Him.

SRI GURU GITA-4 (Chapter-1)

AKSHYAVAT TREE, GAYA

31) AGNYAANA MOOLAHARANAM JANMAKARMA NIVAARAKAM

GNYAANA VAIRAAGYA SIDDHYARDHAM GUROHO PAADODAKAM PIBEYTH.

Meaning- It removes ignorance with firm fingers. Tendencies (karma) that are attached to the soul are arrested. Therefore in order to invoke knowledge and detachment it is essential to drink the water from the Feet of the Spiritual Master.

32)GURUPAADODAKAM PAANAM GURORUCCHISHTA BHOJANAM

GURUMOORTHEY SSADAA DHYAANAM GURORNAAMA SADAA JAPAHA.

Meaning- The water from the Feet of the Spiritual Master is the staple drink of human being. The remaining food from the Spiritual Master's meal is the staple diet of human being. It is imperative that one should always meditate or be in the thought of the Spiritual Master. It is essential that one must chant the name of the Spiritual Master at all times.

33) SVADEYSHIKASYAIVA CHA NAAMAKEERTHANAM BHAVEY DANANTHASYA SHIVASYA KEERTHANAM

SVADEYSHIKASYAIVA CHA NAAMACHINTHANAM BHAVEY DANANTHASYA SHIVASYA CHINTHANAM.

Meaning- The chanting of  Spiritual Master's name is the same as chanting of Lord Shiva's name. Meditation of the Spiritual Master's name is same as the meditation of Lord Shiva's name.

34) YATHPAADAAMBUJARENURVAIKOPI SAMSAARAVAARIDHAU

SETHUBANDHAAYATHEY NAADHAM DAISHIKAM THA MUPAASMAHEY.

Meaning- A single ray from the Lotus Feet of the Spiritual Master acts as a bridge (Sethu) that helps one cross the ocean of life. We must worship such a Spiritual Master.

35) YADANUGRAHAMAATHRENA SHOKAMOHAU VINASHYATHAHA

THASMAI SHREE DESHIKENDRAAYA NAMOSTHU PARAMAATHMANEY.

Meaning- Desires and miseries are destroyed through the sheer Grace of the Spiritual Master. We shall offer our prayers to such a God-like Spiritual Master.

36) YASMAADANUGRAHAM LABDHVAA MAHADAGNYAANA MUTHSRUJETH

THASMAI SHREE DESHIKENDRAAYA NAMASHCHAABHEESHTA SIDDHAYE.

Meaning- To attain our goals we should offer our prayers to such a God-like Spiritual Master to obtain His divine grace.

37) KAASHEEKSHETHRA NIVAASASHCHA JAAHNAVEECHARANODAKAM

GURURVISVESHWARA SSAAKSHAATH THAARAKAM BRAHMA NISHCHAYAHA.

Meaning- Residence in the divine land of Kasi (Varanasi) and the water from the Feet of  Goddess Ganges are granted by the divine grace of Lord Visveswara who is the great Spiritual Master. This is a fact.

38) GURUSEVAA GAYAA PROKTHAA DEYHA SSYAADAKSHAYO VATAHA

THATHPAADAM VISHNUPAADAM SYAATH THATHRA DATTA MANANTHAKAM.

Meaning- Service to the Spiritual Master is equal to the holy land of Gaya. Body is none other than the Akshayavat tree (name of a banyan tree in Gaya), the roots of the tree being the Feet of Lord Vishnu (Vishnu Paadam). Mind when it is treasured here attains the all-pervading quality of Brahman.

39) GURUMOORTHIM SMARE NNITHYAM GURORNAAMA SADAA JAPETH

GURORAAGNYAAM PRAKURVEETHA GURO RANYA NNA BHAAVAYETH.

Meaning-One must meditate on the Spiritual Master each and every day. The name of the Spiritual Master must be chanted at all times. One should obey the orders of the Spritual Master. One must not think of anything else other than Guru (Spiritual Master).

40) GURUVAKTHREY STHITHAM BRAHMA PRAAPYATHEY THATHPRASAADATHAHA

GURORDHYAANAM SADAA KURYAATH PURUSHAM SVAIRINEE YADHAA.

Meaning- One must meditate on the Spiritual Master as intensely at all times like a lustful woman would think of her paramour.  By meditating so intensely the devotee would effortlessly attain the brilliance (tejas) of the Spiritual Master's countenance. (The comparison may be pardoned. The example was taken to show intensity of thoughts and focus).

SRI GURU GITA -3 (Chapter-1)

1)SRI MEDHA DAKSHINAMURTHY

2)SRI TRIKOTESWARA SWAMY TEMPLE, KOTAPPAKONDA, NARASARAOPET, ANDHRA PRADESH

21) DURLABHAM THRISHU LOKEYSHU THACHCHRUNUSHVA VADAAMYAHAM

GURUBRAHMA VINAA NAANYAHA SATHYAM SATHYAM VARAANANEY.

Meaning- This is impossible to attain in all the three worlds. I Myself am going to impart this knowledge. Listen to this with dedication and devotion. O Fair-faced One! Gurubrahma is the Ultimate knowledge and there is no other knowledge superior than that. This is the Truth and nothing but the Truth.

22) VEDASHAASTHRA PURAANAANI CHEYTHIHAASAADIKAANI CHA

MANTHRAYANTHRAADI VIDYAASCHA MOHANOCHCHAATANAADIKAM.

Meaning- Vedas, sacred principles, scriptures, religious texts, history as well as mantras, yantras etc. invoke worldly desires....

23) SHAIVASHAAKTHAAGAMAADEENI HYANYE CHA BAHAVO MATHAAHA

APABHRAMSHAA SSAMASTHAANAAM JEEVAANAAM BHRAANTHACHEYTHASAAM.

Meaning- ...while rituals of the Saiva (worship of Shiva) and Saktha (worship of Devi) traditions, and a few other religious doctrines fade away from the hearts of devotees who do not have devotion for the Spiritual Master (Guru) and whose hearts are filled with bewilderment.

24) JAPASTHAPO VRATHAM THEERDHAM YAGNYO DAANAM THADHAIVACHA

GURUTHATHVA MAVIGNYAAYA SARVAM VYARDHAM BHAVEY THPRIYE.

Meaning- When chanting, meditation, pilgrimage, rituals and charity are performed without proper understanding of the nature of the Spiritual Master, such actions become meaningless and futile.

25) GURUBUDDHYAATHMANO NAANYATH SATHYAM SATHYAM VARAANANEY

THALLAABHAARDHAM PRAYATHNA STHU KARTHAVYA SHCHA MANEESHIBHIHI.

Meaning- O Beautiful faced One! There is nothing more superior than realizing the Self through the intellect of the Spiritual Master. This is the Truth and nothing but the Truth! Therefore an intelligent practitioner should strive to attain the same.

26) GOODHAA VIDYAA JAGANMAAYAA DEYHA SHCHAAGNAANASAMBHAVAHA

VIGYAANAM YATHPRASAADEYNA GURUSHABDEYNA KADHYATHEY.

 Meaning- Knowledge is confidential by nature. It is filled with Maya (illusion) of the Universe. Body is created due to ignorance of Knowledge. Whoever imparts such Knowledge is known to be the Spiritual Master.

27) YADANGHRI KAMALA DVANDVAM DVANDVATHAAPA NIVAARAKAM

THAARAKAM BHAVASINDHO SHCHA THAM GURUM PRANAMAAMYAHAM.

Meaning- The pair of Lotus Feet of the Spiritual Master remove all miseries of the devotee. The Lotus Feet have the power to lead the devotees through the ocean of life. I offer my prayers to such a Spiritual Master. (The pair of Lotus Feet represent joy-misery, gain-loss etc.)

28) DEYHEE BRAHMA BHAVEY DYASYAATH THVATHKRUPAARDHAM VADAAMI THATH

SARVAPAAPAVISHUDDHAATHMAA SHREE GUROHO PAADASEVANAATH.

Meaning-I will now reveal to you with love and compassion about how the human being attains immortality (Brahman). By dedicatedly serving and worshipping the Feet of the Spiritual Master human being is cleansed of all sins and his soul is therefore purified.

29) SARVA THEERDHAAVAGAAHASYA SAMPRAAPNOTHI PHALAM NARAHA

GUROHO PAADODAKAM PEETHVAA SESHAM SHIRASI DHAARAYAN.

Meaning- The water which washes the Feet of the Spiritual Master cleanses the dirt of sins.

30) SOSHANAM PAAPAPANKASYA DEEVANAM GNYAANATHEYJASAHA

GUROHO PAADODAKAM SAMYAK SAMSAARAARNAVA THAARAKAM.

Meaning- The water from the Feet of the Spiritual Master enhances the brilliance (tejas) of knowledge. It leads one perfectly through the ocean of life. By drinking some water from the Feet of the Spiritual Master and sprinkling the remaining water on his head a devotee attains the fruitful results of bathing in all the holy rivers.

SRI GURU GITA -2 (Chapter-1)

LORD DATTATREYA

11) PAARVATHYUVAACHA- 

OM NAMO DEVA! DEVEYSHA! PARAATHPARA! JAGADGURO

THVAAM NAMASKURVATHEY BHAKTHYAA SURAASURANARAA SSADAA.

Meaning- Oh Lord! Lord of Devaas! O Supreme Lord! Spiritual Leader of the Universe! You are worshipped with great devotion by celestial beings, demons and human race....

12) VIDHIVISHNU MAHENDRAADYAI RVANDYAHA KHALU SADAA BHAVAAN

NAMASKAROSHI KASMAI THVAM NAMASKAARAASHRAYAHA KILA.

Meaning- Even Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Indra worship You at all times. While You are considered as the most Eligible One to receive the prayers of such mighty Gods, You are praying to someone else! Who are you praying to?!

13) DRUSHTYAI THATHKARMA MAASCHARYAM PRATHIBHAATHI MEY

KI MEYTHANNA VIJAANEYHAM KRUPAYAA VADA MEY PRABHO.

Meaning- I am amazed by this act of Yours. I am unable to comprehend this. O Lord! Oh Compassionate One, please let me know...

14) BHAGAVAN! SARVADHARMAGNYA! VRATHAANAAM VRATHANAAYAKAM

BROOHI MEY KRUPAYAA SHAMBHO! GURUMAAHAATHMYA MUTHAMMAM.

Meaning- O God! You have knowledge of all the divine laws! Please impart the knowledge of the Greatness of Guru, that which is most virtuous and supreme of all the religious vows.....

15) KENA MAARGENA BHOSWAAMIN! DEYHI BRAHMAMAYO BHAVETH

THATHKRUPAAM KURU MEY SWAAMIN! NAMAAMI CHARANAU THAVA.

Meaning- O Lord! Through which method does a soul become immortal? I prostrate to Your Feet! O Lord! Please shower mercy on me and please let me know......

16) ITHI SAMPRAARDHITHA SHSHASVA NMAHAADEVO MAHESHWARAHA

AANANDABHARITHA SSYAANTHEY PAARVATHEE MIDA MABRAVEETH.

Meaning- Goddess Parvathi appealed thus to the Supreme Lord Maheswara. Lord Shiva was overjoyed and started to speak thus to Goddess Parvathi....

17) SRI MAHAADEVA UVAACHA- 

NA VAKTHAVYAMIDAM DEVI! RAHASYAATHIRAHASYAKAM

NA KASYAAPI PURAA PROKTHAM THVADBHAKTHYARDHAM VADAAMI THATH.

Meaning- Lord Shiva said- O Goddess! Actually this knowledge is not meant to be revealed. This is of utmost secrecy, a secret of all secrets! This has not been revealed to or shared with anybody till now. I am willing to impart the knowledge to You due to Your intense devotion...

18) MAMA ROOPAASI DEVI! THVA MATHA STHATHKADHAYAAMI THEY

LOKOPAKAARAHA PRASHNOYAM NA KEYNAAPI KRUTHAHA PURAA.

Meaning- O Goddess! You are an epitome of Myself. That is why I am willing to tell You. Your quest for information is meant for the welfare of the universe. So far nobody has asked this question... 

19) YASYA DEVEY PARAABHAKTHIHI YADHAA DEVEY THADHAA GURAU

THASYAITHE KADHITHAA HYARDHAAHA PRAKAASHANTHEY MAHAATHMANAHA.

Meaning- A devotee who had unwavering devotion towards God as well as devotion towards the Enlightened Master (Guru) is great and virtuous! Such a devotee deserves to know the meaning of the knowledge which I am about to impart, so that it will come to light...

20) YO GURU SSA SHIVAHA PROKTHO YA SSHIVA SSA GURU SMRUTHAHA

VIKALPAM YASTHU KURVEETHA SA NARO GURUTHALPAGAHA.

Meaning- Guru (The Enlightened Teacher) is none other than Lord Shiva Himself. Likewise Lord Shiva is Guru (The Enlightened Master). Whoever rejects this Truth is committing the greatest sin equal to the act of violating Guru's bed (Guru talpa- sleeping in the Guru's bed with His wife)......