Song-Janani mamava-Swathi Tiunal (Nirmala Ramachandran)

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.

Swathi Tirunal was a king and one of the great exponents of Carnatic music. His kritis are mostly the outpouring of his devotion to Lord Padmanabha of Thiruvananthapuram.

He has also composed kritis on various other deities. Among these, the nine kritis he composed, for singing the praise of Goddess during the Navaratri festival stand out as a distinct and precious collection. This song is on Goddess Saraswati. It says:

Oh Mother Bharati! the spouse of Brahma, Victory to You. Kindly protect me.
You reside in the lotus. Your smile surpasses the beauty of jasmine buds. You overflow with charming excellence and shine like a full autumnal moon. You have the locks which are dark like the rain clouds. Your hands resemble the tender leaves of celestial trees. Your eyes are like those of the doe.

You are always resonating with the melody of the Veena. You are the essence of Vedas. You are always favorable to good people.

Oh Vani! You are adorned with lovely white silk garment. You are auspicious. You are full of compassion and you are expert in looking after the welfare of those who take refuge in you.

Kindly take your abode in my heart and make my mind take shelter at your feet.

The song is rendered by Nirmala Ramachandran.

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