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“Music’s the cordial of a troubled breast,
The softest remedy that grief can find
The gentle spell that charms our core to rest
And calms the ruffled passions of the mind.”
 ’Tis neither a poet’s flight of fancy nor good old fashioned homily; but an irrefutable truth…rather, a pearl of wisdom!
If it is divine music, fit for the Gods with its accompanying degree of excellence, then it is truly music unparalleled in beauty and content and veritably beyond compare…a music that tugs at the heartstrings of the devout and the less pious; one that whets the appetite of the connoisseurs of this fine art as well as their ordinary brethren.
And so it was with the audience in the packed auditorium, numbering over 500, on the occasion of the aradhana celebrations of saint-composer Tyagaraja held under the auspices of the Indian Fine Arts at the Indian Consulate Auditorium in Dubai on Bahula Panchami, Monday, January 8, 2007.
It was an earnest gathering of music lovers who had congregated to offer homage and feast on the endearing, yet profound compositions, of the saint with their intensely human appeal tinged with philosophical overtones and characterised by simplicity of language coloured by a love for the Almighty, an emotion immanent in his works.
The five sublime compositions generally associated with Saint Tyagaraja and popularly known as the ‘Pancharatna Kritis’ are always inevitably presented to commemorate this auspicious occasion.
 These brilliant masterpieces were rendered in perfect unison by a team of about 50 professional and amateur vocalists and artistes on the veena, violin mridangam, ghatam and kanjira, with great application and commitment, en rapport, unmarred by banal considerations of ability, rank or gender and marked by a sense of oneness, a feeling of togetherness, truly exemplary; a phenomenon that can only be attributed to the Sadguru’s benign and compassionate gaze over his flock!
The crest jewel of this golden legacy, ‘Entharo Mahanubhavulu’ in ragam Sri, one of the most propitious ragas in the treasure house of Carnatic music, heightened the mood of the spectators - one of admiration, anticipation and enthusiasm tempered by varying shades of bhakti or devotion.
In this composition, Tyagaraja pays tribute and offers his salutations with the utmost humility and reverence to the Gods, to Surya, Chandra, Hanuman , Siva and Brahma , and expresses his heartfelt gratitude to those great souls…Narada, Prahlada, Thumburu and others who, through the ages, have bestowed on humanity our scriptures, puranas, music and knowledge and who have been a beacon on the path to the realisation of the Supreme.
Tyagaraja concludes by referring to himself as the bhakta of Rama, a servant of the Lord, and as the artistes echoed the sentiments of the saint, they were undoubtedly moved by the strength of his powerful exposition and could deem themselves fortunate to be able to experience the blissful ecstasy of Tyagaraja, resulting from his total surrender to the Lord.
As the participants paid homage to him, and to others before him, through a superb rendition of this enthralling piece, it was in reality a tribute to the saint’s divinity, highlighting one of the basic beliefs of Hinduism, propounded by Swami Vivekananda, ‘Each individual is divinity itself’.
Watching the saint’s portrait placed on the podium, I could not resist feeling that the Sadguru’s eyes twinkled with genuine pleasure and appreciation for his flock!
The Sampradaya kritis which followed, nine exceedingly lovely and illuminating compositions dealing with the daily rituals performed for the Lord, from the moment He is gently woken up with heavenly music till the moment He is made to sleep again with an irresistible heart-warming lullaby, were presented with flamboyance, faith and feeling. ‘Seetha Kalyana Vaibhogame’, a number depicting the wedding of the Lord, was rendered with sensitivity, liveliness and gusto with the spectators joining in for good measure!
A heart-rending hymn of supplication and surrender on Narayana in the ragam Yamankalyani, with the power to percolate our soul, had a few of the participants in a state of trance.
When beauty and belief manifest together, the vibrations are infinitely more powerful and pleasing, reaching out to a more extensive audience, including those with less inclination for spiritual pursuits and drawing them towards the Creator. This quality, so rare, a blessing incalculable in dimension, was evident in every participant.
Seated in front of the portrait of the master, the artistes appeared bright and fulgent with a distinct aura and great charisma. Endowed with an immense allure and charm, they exuded a warmth and pleasure that reflected the ambience of the occasion.
In moments of deep devotion, with eyes closed and totally immersed in the ‘Jagadananda Karaka’, they exuded a peace and serenity almost ethereal. The devotional fervour of the participants seemed so tangible as it suffused the entire auditorium, kindling a spark in the listeners, a response at once genuine and straight from the heart! There was pin-drop silence in the auditorium for the duration of the songs followed by resounding applause! An immeasurably elevating and fulfilling experience for the artistes and the onlookers!
From a worldly plane, in a culture which believes that religious festivals and functions are joyous occasions to be celebrated with ‘all things bright and beautiful’, it was but natural that the rustle of gorgeous silks, the sweet scent of flowers and the glorious glitter of stone studded jewellery heightened the spirit of felicity.
For those of us with an eye for sartorial elegance and a feminine fondness for ornaments and adornments, it was a perfect field day! Rich kancheevaram silks with attractive contrast borders, sarees in pastel shades and of every hue and texture, pearl and diamond necklaces, gold chains and black beads fashioned in gold, bangles artistically crafted and much more served to enhance the charm of the womenfolk! The aura of Mahalakshmi seemed omnipresent, all pervasive!
It was uncanny as I watched from my vantage position in the crowd, the Sadguru’s face in the portrait appeared to be lit up by a beautific glow and a gentle smile hovered about his lips. Perhaps he perceived his Ishta Daiva, Lord Rama and Mother Sita, in the surfeit of beauty all round!
Whether this occurrence was the salubrious effect of two hours of mystical magic or the fallout of a fertile imagination or whether it was in actuality, the Sadguru’s benediction - it thrills me to believe it could be the latter - I shall leave it to conjecture…but I can vouch for the afterglow, the quiet tranquility and feeling of well-being that seemed to course through me with the concluding kirthanam ‘Geetharthamu’ in raga
Suruti.
My sincere salutations to the great saints and devotees through the ages:
‘Entharo Mahanubhavullu
Antha Reeki Vandhanamu’
Parvati Ganapathi
Dubai
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Tyagaraja aradhana in Dubai
