Of Music, Aradhanas, Poet Saints

#SS/3/2020

#sareespeak

#veenafirst

#thyagarajaaradhana

Celebrated the auspicious occasion of Saint Thyagaraja’s Samadhi, 173rd, on Pushya Bahula Panchami here in New Zealand. Doubly special as it was also Ponggal.
Along with musicians world over and especially in Thiruvaiyaru, India, where he had attained Samadhi, a group of 50 plus parents, music students, Flautists, Vainikas, Vocalists, Mridhangists gathered in a home in Auckland, to propitiate Sri Thyagaraja Swamy in a magnificent Aradhana, the youngest musician a mere 4 years of age.
Jagadanandakaraka Ashtothram, 108 names of Lord Rama, were recited, followed by Naama Ramayanam.
The orchestral ensemble rendered His 5 gems, Pancharatna Krithis – Jagadananda Karaka, Dudukugala, Sadinchene, Kanakanaruchira, interspersed with simple krithis SarasaNethra, Raminjuvarevarura, and other beautiful compositions Sarasa sama dana, Shobillu Saptaswara, Bhavanutha, Telisirama, Chakkani Raja, amongst others.
Two young students, four and five year olds, gave a speech on Saint Thyagaraja’s life.
All students participated in a quiz.
The piece de resistance of the Aradhana was the fifth pancharatnam Entharo Mahanubhavulu. Aarthi was taken to the lyrics Rama Bhaktudaina Thyagaraja nuthuniki nija Dasulaina vaaru.
The evening concluded with blissful singing of the Mangalam, Ramachandraya Janaka.
Energy and spirits were at an all time high.
All partook of Prasadam, then dispersed.
A beautiful evening of music, prayer.
The family cleared dishes, altar, set the home back in order.

Draped in a simple royal blue silk with gold stripes, pink and gold borders and maroon, orange and gold pallu. matched with saree’s maroon blouse.