From ancient times, music in India not only had a strong spiritual tradition but has also been regarded as one of the great vehicles of Bhakti, with God worshipped as Nada Brahmam, while the bhakta or devotee engages in nadopasaana or seeks to merge with the Lord via musical adoration. In a Discourse delivered in 1996, Swami said that God loves music (which is why He is called Nada Brahmam) and that an easy way to find liberation is for the bhakta to sing his/her way into the Lord’s Heart.
In keeping with that exalted tradition, musicians are gathering at the Sai Kulwant Hall, at the Sai Sannidhi to offer to Swami five specially-composed songs that describe the dazzling spectrum of Sai’s Prema and the way Swami ceaselessly showered His Divine Love on one and all during His physical presence on earth as the Sri Sathya Sai Avatar.
The musical bouquet of five songs being offered today is referred to as the Sai Pancharatnas, all the songs being in Telugu. The lyrics and the meanings of the different songs are given below. Two of those Kritis were offered at the divine lotus feet, by Bhagawan's Students on the morning of the Aradhana Mahotsavam last year (24 Apr 2014). This year, all the five kritis will be offered by an array of musicians along with Bhagawan's students.
Dearest Bhagawan, no words, no poetry or song is adequate to describe Your peerless love, or even the gratitude that that love kindles in our hearts. This is yet another feeble effort to glorify You Bhagawan; accept this humble offering of ours!
[The songs were composed by Dr. Vasanthalakshmi of Sri Sathya Sai Mirpuri College and set to music by noted musician Rajkumar Bharathi, great-grandson of the famous poet and freedom fighter Subrahmanya Bharathiar.]
pranamaami saayeesha
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The first song is tuned to the Ragam Ghambhira Naattai, which is derived
from the ‘parent’ Ragam Naattai. Like the latter, Gambhira Naattai is considered auspicious for beginning a musical offering, especially because it generates an atmosphere of vigour and dynamism. The beat is that of Adi Taalam.
Offering
salutations to the Sustainer of the Universe, the opening song
expresses adoration to the Lord for graciously taking birth in human form to shower Love and Compassion and guide us on the path of Dharma.
Recalling
the blessing of Divine Motherhood conferred on Mother
Easwaramma of the Ratnakara family, the song celebrates the early days of Swami who mixed pranks, music and Leelas with profound teachings, making the daily experience of early devotees like the dance of waves on the Divine Ocean of Love.
Oh! How fortunate and blessed those devotees were!
Pallavi:
Pranamaami Saayeesha Sakala Bhuvana Shubhakara Ghanacharitha
Srushti Sthithi Kaaraka Sugunaakara Ratnaakara Vamshaabdhi
Sudhaakara
Meaning:
I bow before You Lord Sai, the
bestower of auspiciousness to the entire
Universe; the one whose story is the most glorious; the preserver of all creation, the source of all virtues and the crest jewel of the entire Ratnakara clan.
............................................................................................................
Anupallavi:
Pranathaarthihara Shivashakti Roopa Bhaaradhvaaja Gothrodbhava
Nee Padamu Soki Bhuvi Dhanyamaaye Nee Karunakilanu Evaru Saati
Meaning:
O dispeller of the devotees’
distress, You are the embodiment of Shiva
and Shakti; the One born in sage Bharadwaja’s lineage. (When) the earth itself has been sanctified by the touch of Your feet; (then) who can equal You in compassion?
..................................................................................................................
(1)
Nee Divya-avataaramu Kalilo Prema Ithihaasamu
Tava Charanam Mama Sharanam Bhakti Mukti Pradaayakam
Meaning:
Your divine incarnation is a saga of Love in this kali age;
Your feet is my refuge, it confers upon me devotion and liberation.
..........................................................................................................
(2)
Saadhu Maunijana Praarthana Phalitham Easwaraamba Sutha
Nee Jananam
Dharmoddharanaku Saaradhyam Vishva Maanavathaku Bhavya
Bhavithavyam
Meaning:
Your birth as the son of Easwaramba is the fruition of the prayers of
sages and saints,
It upholds Dharma and ushers in a glorious future for the entire mankind.
...................................................................................................................
(3)
Surya Chandraagni Trinetra Shobhitha Roopa Jitha Bhaktha Hrudaya
Paamara Jana Thaapatraya Kshayakara Soothrathraya Bodhaka
Meaning:
Your form is adorned with the Sun, Moon, Fire and the third eye; it is
capturing the hearts of the devout.
You dispel the worry of the ignorant folk by teaching them Your three
fold message - Daiva preethi, papa bheethi, sanga neethi (Love for God, Fear of sin, Morality in Society).
............................................................................................................
(4)
Chandra Bimbamuna Surya Golamuna Velige Thejo Roopam
Anthalona Druggocharamaiye Dashaavataara Vaibhavam
Meaning:
Your radiant form was seen in the moonshine and in the solar orb;
The very next moment You granted the glorious vision of Dasaavathara
(Ten Incarnations of Lord Vishnu).
................................................................................................................
(5)
Sangeetha Sarvajna Naigama Paaramya Bhaashyaartha Vachonipuna
Nee Leelaa Mahimalu Vinodamulu Chithra Vichithramulu
Divyamu Bhavyamu Navyamu Rasaramyamu Nee Padame Parama
Padamu
Meaning:
Knower of all music; Expert in explaining the essence of all esoteric
knowledge,
Your playful pranks and
miracles are exhilarating, fascinating, divine,
grand, unique and nectarous. Your feet are our ultimate goal.
...............................................................................................................
(6)
Korina Phalamulanella Nosage Chintha Drumam
Chelimikaandra Muchchata Deerche Kalpabhoojam
Thalachinanthane Srushti Jarugu Sathya Sankalpam
Premaroopa Sai Karathalame Kalpakam
Meaning:
The tamarind tree was transformed into the wish fulfilling tree,
it gave everything Your childhood friends desired;
You possess the Sathya Sankalpa
(Resolve of Truth) that make
things happen the moment You will it. O embodiment of love, Sai, Your palm itself is verily the wish-fulfilling tree.
.....................................................................................................
(7)
Aadi Anthyamu Leni Adbhutha Leelaa Vinodam
Saayi Prema Kadhale Kerataala Laasyam
Bhakthaaliki Oka Kshanamuna Divyaanubhoothula Paaravashyam
Marukshanamuna Sathya Premaakarshana Maanava Sahaja Naijam
Pasithanambunane Paramaathmagaa Nerigina
Alanatibhakthula Bhaagyame Bhaagyam
Meaning:
Sai's delightful and
fascinating play is without a beginning
or an end;the stories of Sai’s love are like the gently dancing waves.
For the devotees, at one moment
it is an overwhelming Divine
experience (with You) but the very next instant, it is a powerful attraction to Your (human side) true love.
To have recognised Your divinity even when You were young,
is indeed a grand fortune of the devotees of yore. |
Thank you and loving Sai Ram,
Team Radio Sai