Parthasarathy Swamy

My Sunday evening outing is complete only with a Darshan of this magnificent Lord – Parthasarathy Swamy @ Triplicane… Today being Sranavam and Ekadesi, I had to visit him. I had the opportunity to have a glimpse of the "Ekadesi Purapaadu" today and wanted to share the joy with you all.. Here are some photos and a video, at the end, which were shot on my mobile..(Click to enlarge the pics)


The Supreme deity “Venkata Krishnan” is worshipped as Parthasarathy, that is as a Charioteer of Arjuna. The primary sanctum enshrines the majestic Lord of Lords of all incarnations along with his entire family (three generations!) – his consort Rukmini, his brother Balaraman, Satyaki, His son Prathyumnan and His grand son Aniruddhan.

As I enter the sanctum, like every time, I become speechless. The Lord stands at 9 feet tall towering majestically, giving a Vishwaroopa darshnam. He has a moustache and his Eyes glow, his Universal form just radiates compassion. (His Eyes, moustache and Namam are drawn in white). He is the all powerful Supreme Spiritual master.. Mere words of mine cannot describe Him, His attractive presence takes away all our worries, and reassures that he is the Bhaktha Valsalan, who would take care of us.

Facing east, Lord Krishna is adorned in stunning silk dhoti-sari and jewellery. His wardrobe is awesome and He is so dear, I am awe struck! He has only his conch (Sangu) and does not have a Chakra, as he promised that he would not take any weapons for the war. He has only two hands, and holds his conch in his right hand and his left hand shows Varadha Mudhra – sometimes adorned with a diamond glove – with the wordings – “Mam Ekam Saranam Vraja” – He has a small knife tucked in his hip and also a big sword behind his Varadha Hastam.

One Darshan of the Utsava Murthy will evoke a strong feeling and would move you to tears.. There are war scars all over the face caused by Bheeshma’s bow during the Mahabharatha war. He shielded the greatest of his devotees – Arjuna!

Within this temple, there are separate shrines for Rama, Ranganathar, Vedavalli Thayar, Gajendra Varadhar who is in a seated posture mounted on Garuda, Narasimhar and Andal.

Since He is recuperating from war, groundnut oil and chillies are not used in the preparations offered to the Lord for Neivedhyam. (Got to know that they use pepper for the Puliyodharai and Vadai, that’s the reason for its awesome taste!)

Signing off with my favourite slokams from The Bhagavad Gita,Simply Surrender to Krishna! :

Sarva-dharman parityajya mam ekam saranam vraja aham tvam sarva-papebhyo moksayisyami ma sucah
"Abandon all varieties of religion and just surrender unto Me. I shall deliver you from all sinful reaction. Do not fear"

Yatra Yogesvarah Krushno, Yatra partho Dhanur Dharah Tatra Srir Vijayo bhuthir dhruva nitir matir mama
"Wherever there is Krishna, the master of all mystics, and wherever there is Arjuna, the supreme archer, there will also certainly be opulence, victory, power and morality"

Paritranaya sadhunam vinasaya ca duskrtam dharma-samsthapanarthaya sambhavami yuge yuge
"In order to deliver the pious and to annihilate the miscreants, as well as to reestablish the principles of religion, I advent Myself millennium after millennium".

Ekam sastram devaki-putra-gitam
(Let there be one scripture only for the whole wold, Bhagavat Gita)
Eko devo devaki-putra eva (Let there be one God for the whole world – Sri Krishna)
Eko mantras tasya namani yani –karmapy ekam tasya devasya sevaan (Let there be one mantra and one prayer – the Chanting of His name)

Nandanar Songs

It all started when we were on our way to Chidambaram…I had just bought a CD of Nandhanar songs of Sriram Gangadharan and was playing it over and over again in the car while on our annual whirlwind pilgrimage.

The simple lyrics of Nandanar songs are penned by the great contemporary composer, Gopalakrishna Bharathi and are set in soulful ragas which makes it a listener’s delight. His songs have immortalized Nandanar’s story. I shared the story of Nandanar with my siblings and kuttis in the car and they were hooked to these songs all the way. Every time I listen to one of these songs, my heart goes out for Nandanar!

The story of Nandanar is a folk myth. Nandan was a simple farmer who was a bond slave of a landlord, but an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva and pined for a darshan of the God at Chidambaram. Gopalakrishna Bharathi’s epic musical “NandanAr Charithram” was written in the early 19th century. This was made in to a hugely successful Tamil movie in 1942 starring the great actor, M.M. Dandapani Desikar, who had also sung all the popular numbers. Till today, it is a classic vintage movie.

Since Nandanar was a harijan, he could not enter any temple though he longed to do so and was all the time praying to the Lord to give him a darshan. The Lord performed a miracle for him at Tiruppungur ( 8 kms from Vaideeshwaran Kovil) where the “Nandi” was obstructing Nandanar's view from outside and the Lord asked “Nandi” to move aside to give a glimpse of his Darshan! ( We made sure that we visited the temple and were amazed to see the nandi away from its central position.!)


(Click to enlarge the pictures)

Coming back to the story, Nandanar was determined to go to Chidambaram some day to be with the Lord, and would constantly say “Nalaip Poven, Nalip Poven” which eventually earned him the name “Thiru Nalaip Povar”. His landlord imposed impossible conditions for him to fulfill before he would be allowed to make the trip to Chidambaram. By the Lord's grace, he overcame all the conditions miraculously. When Nandanar finally arrived in Chidambaram, the Dikshidars of the temple did not allow him to enter the temple. The Lord himself appeared in their dreams and commanded them to allow him. Next day, Nandanar had the bath in the holy tank and was taken in a procession to the sanctorum. But once he entered it, he disappeared into space and attained Moksha. Nandanar has been included as one of the 63 Nayanmars who are worshipped in all Shiva temples as the most blessed devotees of the Lord.

And now for his famous songs,

1.“Sivaloga Nadhanaik Kandu Sevithidivom Vareer”– where Nandanar gathers his people to worship Lord Shiva.
2.“Vazhi maRaiththirukkudhE malaipOlE oru mADu paDuththirukkudhE” - This bull, the size of a mountain, is lying there and blocking my view of the Lord, sung when Nandanar visits Tiruppungoor while standing outside the temple premises. This song is moving while Nandanar sings “thEraDiyil ninRu dharisiththAlum pOdhum kOvil varamAttEn ayyE” (It is enough if I see the Lord from the place where the temple chariot is parked; I need not enter the temple)..
3.Unable to stand this, the Cosmic Lord orders Nandi, the bull to move (“Satre vilagi irum piLLAy—just move a bit, my son!), lest Nandanar, an ardent devotee, should get angry..
4.Nandanar’s incessant pining to visit Chidambaram --“Chidambaram pOgAmal iruppEnO?” – Shall I spend my lifetime here without visiting Chidambaram?) and his daily ranting that he will visit Chidambaram “tomorrow”.
5.“VaruvArO varam tharuvArO endhan manadhu sanchalikkudhaiyyE” where he is patiently waiting everyday for the Lord’s order — (Will He appear and give me the boon?)
6.“Uththaran thaarum aiye – Enakkoruvarumillai Paragadhiadaya” – Where Nandanar seeks permission from his landlord to go to Chidambaram..
7.”VarugalAmO Ayya, Nan Undhan Arugil Nindru Kondadavum Padavum – Ange”- At Chidambaram, Nandhanar asks Lord Natraja whether he could enter the temple.
8.“Kanda Mani Aduthu – Adhaik Kandu Pinivaduthu” – when Nandanar arrives at the border of Chidambaram..
9.“Enneneramum Undhan Sannidhiyile Nan Irruka Vendum Ayya , Ponayya” – Upon reaching Chidambaram, Nandanar longs to be with the Lord..
10.“Iyye Metha Kadinam” – where Nandhanar responds to his Landlord’s requests him to be his preacher..

My mother’s favorite song is “Enneramum” sung by K.V.Narayanswamy and it is like a ever green melody ringing in my ears!.. Nithyashree’s album of Gopala Krishna Bharathiar’s songs is awesome with classics like “ Eppo varuvaaro, Pirava Varam Tharum and Idhuthaano thillaisthalam. Aruna sairam’s rendition of “Sababathiku Veru Deivam” is too good.

And that’s about it! I've put in what I know, this list is not complete with your comments and favorites. With Pranams to the musical genius, Gopala Krishna Bharathiar.. I am signing off..

Sri Hariharaathmajaashtakam

Harivarasanam, a devotional song of K.J.Yesudoss is a marvelous rendition!
Sung in Madhyamavathi ragam, the lilting voice of Yesudoss makes it more divine!
What a song! At every concert of KJY, I wait for this closing song.. live ..

This song is recited just prior to closing of the temple doors at night in Sabarimala. My husband says that to hear this song at Sabarimala at the time, when the night is still, cold and serene is a divine experience by itself!

Harivarasanam is the creation of Kumbakudi Kulathur Iyer. In 1955, Swami Vimochananad recited this Ashtakam for the first time at Sabarimala.



Sloka :

Harivarasanam Viswamohanam
Haridadhiswaram Aaradhyapadhukam
Arivimardhanam Nithyanarthanam
Hariharathmajam Devamashraye
Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa
Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa

Saranakirtanam Bakhtamanasam
Bharanalolupam Narthanalasam
Arunabhasuram Bhoothanayakam
Hariharathmajam Devamashraye
Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa
Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa

Pranayasathyakam Praananayakam
Pranathakalpakam Suprabhanjitham
Pranavamanidram Keerthanapriyam
Hariharathmajam Devamashraye
Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa
Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa

Thuragavahanam Sundarananam
Varagadhayudham Vedavavarnitham
Gurukrupakaram Keerthanapriyam
Hariharathmajam Devamashraye
Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa
Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa

Tribuvanarchitam Devathathmakam
Trinayanam Prabhum Divyadeshikam
Tridashapoojitham Chinthithapradam
Hariharathmajam Devamashraye
Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa
Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa

Bhavabhayapaham Bhavukavaham
Bhuvanamohanam Bhoothibhooshanam
Dhavalavahanam Divyavaranam
Hariharathmajam Devamashraye
Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa
Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa

Kalamrudusmitham Sundarananam
Kalabhakomalam Gathramohanam
Kalabhakesari Vajivahanam
Hariharathmajam Devamashraye
Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa
Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa

Srithajanapriyam Chinthithapradam
Sruthivibhushanam Sadhujeevanam
Sruthimanoharam Geethalalasam
Hariharathmajam Devamashraye
Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa
Saranam Ayyappa Swamy Saranam Ayyappa

Meaning

The Lord who reposes in the tranquil yogic posture of Harivaraasanam:
the Lord whose beauty enchants the whole universe:
the Lord who is the very essence of Lord Vishnu's Grace:
the Lord whose holy feet’s are worshipful:
the Lord who destroys the inimical mental trends and forces that affect the devotees:
the Lord who engages in the eternal cosmic dance that creates and dissolves the universe -in that very Lord,
who is the spiritual splendour of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva, I take my refuge.


The Lord who is worshipped by the Sharana Mantra:
the Lord who is the source of the power of mind:
the Lord who smoothly administers the entire universe:
the Lord who playfully engages in the cosmic dance:
the Lord who shines with light reddish hue:
the Lord who is the Master of all cosmic forces - in that very Lord,
who is the spiritual splendour of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva, I take my refuge.


The Lord whose very nature is the Supreme Truth:
the Lord who is the Master of all life-forces:
the Lord who splendours with the divine halo:
the Lord who is the very source of Pranavam:
the Lord who is pleased by devotional hymns - in that very Lord,
who is the spiritual splendour of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva, I take my refuge.


The Lord whose mount is the horse:
the Lord whose countenance is beautiful:
the Lord who holds the mace called Varagada:
the Lord who is extolled by the Devas:
the Lord who bestows Divine Grace as the Supreme Guru:
the Lord who is pleased by the devotional hymns - in that very Lord,
who is the spiritual splendour of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva, I take my refuge.


The Lord who is worshipped by the three worlds:
the Lord who is the Supreme Divinity and the source of all Devas:
the Lord who has three eyes:
the Lord who shines with divine splendour:
the Lord who is worshipped during the three auspicious times of the day:
the Lord whose remembrance fulfils the desires - in that very Lord,
who is the spiritual splendour of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva, I take my refuge.


The Lord who annihilates the fears and pains of worldly life:
the Lord who brings prosperity and auspiciousness:
the Lord who is enchanting to the whole universe:
the Lord who is splendidly decorated with divine ornaments:
the Lord who has a white divine elephant as a mount - in that very Lord,
who is the spiritual splendour of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva, I take my refuge.


The Lord who wears a graceful and soft smile:
the Lord with a beautiful countenance:
the Lord whose graceful body is beautifully decked with the sandal paste:
the Lord who rides on a tiger and also on His horse mount - in that very Lord,
who is the spiritual splendour of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva, I take my refuge.


The Lord who is dear to all devotees:
the Lord who fulfils the desires:
the Lord who is extolled by the Vedas:
the Lord who bestows sustenance and strength to the ascetics:
the Lord who is the delightful essence of the Vedas:
the Lord who enjoys the recital of divine hymns and music - in that very Lord,
the spiritual splendour of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva, I take my refuge.

The Art of Kolam

Kolam brings back nostalgic memories of my mother's and grandmother's beautiful designs and patterns done in our "Vaasal" and puja rooms. Alongwith the whiff of scent of Pavazaamalli flowers and an aroma of coffee!

In the month of Markazhi, creating Kolams used to be a family affair - Amma would be up very early in the morning, would wear a woolen scarf and get on with the designs in the Kolam, me and my sister would sit as guards for amma till she finishes the Kolam. She used to be so deft and all her kolams would be freehand strokes of lines and curves,with a final touch up of Kaavi or terrakota. Krishna Jayanthi would mean lots of Maa Kolam and cute imprints of small feet allover the house!

One (of the things)I failed to learn from my mother is Kolam! I can just manage a few miniature, repetitive designs for the puja room. Nowadays I dont even make an attempt, due to the stock of sticker kolams..

Here in Chennai, the next door neighbour's courtyard used to look colorful with patterns - sometimes with flowers and color kolapodi during special days and festivals.

Till I had a maid "Kasi"-the exclusive "Kolam" designer, coming in every Friday morning and for all the auspicious days.. With her booming voice, every Friday, she would come in around 6 am, demand coffee and get on with the prepartory work for putting a kolam! She is a left hander and has the right proprotions of Kola Podi and rice flour for making her designs.. She is at her creative best and awesome with lines and patterns! People going thro' the street discreetly glance and some stop and see her design.. Every Friday, I grab a cup of coffee to my balcony and have an aerial view of her work! I've already engaged her to put Kolams every Friday and I feel so good about backing up such a person! While taking our vehichles out thro' the gate we are very careful not to spoil the designs and I can feel the neighbour's envy while she "googles" at my vasal!... Ha ha what fun! You can view Kasi's Kolam as above..

Sriram's sketchbook

From my son’s Sriram’s sketchbook.. He keeps his sketchbook private, informal and messy with various doodles and some amazing portraits. The only regret is he does not take art seriously because of lack of time!

A moving tribute to MSS

Here's an article penned by my colleague LSK, on the demise of Mrs. MS Subbalakshmi. Brings back evergreen memories of the legend!

Her Majesty's Voice - A tribute
13/Dec/2004 - Monday Chennai

Namaskar / vaNakkam

Some people are born, only to leave everlasting impressions, for generations to come, after they are long gone from this world. Some do it with their melodious voice. Some do it with their charity work. Some do it by their humility. Some do it by teaching a lesson or two about devotion. Some are remembered for their physical beauty and their charming face. Some also do it by the color of the saris they wear, when they sing. Only a rare selected few are born who do all these in their lifetime. They themselves become a symbol in what they distinguished in their life time.

Sunday, 12-Dec-2004 will be a day to remember for millions and millions of music lovers all over the world for generations to come. That golden voice that awakened the Lord Venkateshwara of Tirupathi in the mornings, as it did in millions of households the globe over, became silent, but not silenced.

It is indeed a privilege bestowed upon a few to hear her voice in live concerts. For the others, it remains an elusive dream that remains etched in their memories and in their blogs.

It is also a rare privilege to even live in a century and to see her alive, even if it meant no live concerts. To read rave reviews about her meticulous precision, her immense depth of music knowledge, the humility that is revealed in her famous smile, is by itself, a gift of life. Never before a woman, who still can charm Lord Krishna with her bhajans as she could a layman into music, has generated this respect and love and affection, in the recent times, with her melodious voice.

To shed tears upon her demise, could be understandable, for the emotional ones. But then she is not really gone. How could she ever leave this world? Who would wake up Lord Narayana every morning ? She will always live on as long as one can hear her music. Her majesty's voice singing 'kuRai onRum illai kaNNA', alone is enough to inspire the mind and cheer up the spirits, during adversity.

Her own immortal rendering of the profoundly meaningful line "... punarapi maranam punarapi jananam ... ", would even wake up the souls in the heavens who might get to hear her voice again.

'kARRinilE varum gItham' varum .. varum .. vandhu kondE irukkum. ( meaning, the music that comes via the air will come, will come and will always be coming. = This song was another gem of hers. )

Request you to please pray for the soul of Smt. M.S.SubbuLakshmi to rest in peace.

One cannot help but question the wisdom of some, who chose to NOT to honor her with the Bharat Ratna when her husband was alive. A photograph of Smt. MS with her kumkum, the madichar folds, the bangles, the string of flowers in her hair that created an aura like effect and in her trademark blue color with the Bharat Ratna award, could well have become one of the most memorable photographs and moments to cherish for millions of music lovers.

One must commend AIR Chennai for playing snippets of her songs on that morning, which almost made one to refuse to believe the reality of her death. As the musical homage ended with her voice rendering "vandhE mAtharam" , it is suffice to say, it evoked memories of a bygone era, who laid down everything for our nation, as our soldiers continue to do even now.

Dhanyavaad / nanRi
LSK

Contact : LSKpop3@GMail.com