NAVYA C
5 Compositions that Throw Light on the Spiritual Element of
Saint Thyagaraja
Saint Thyagaraja- the name is invariably associated with majority of audience to Lord Rama . It is indeed true that Thyagaraja has dedicated his life to Lord Rama and composed record number of compositions hailing the lord . But a the same time , he was not escaping the hardships , lifestyle challenges and highly observant of the social life of his era . As a result , he has penned some fantastic compositions that makes the listener think about how to lead the life in the right path . Interestingly , there was a tinge of sarcasm when it came to some of his composition that shows his versatility . Score brings you 5 golden compositions which touches the social life , human being ’ s vices and how to overcome them with devotional perspective :
1 . Entha Nerchina- Suddha Dhanyasi : In this composition , Thyagaraja throws a satire on the common man saying “ Entha Nerchina , Entha Chusina , Entha Vaaralaina Kaantha Daasule ” ( No matter how much you learn , see , or you might be high on status- ultimately you would fall as a slave to a woman ”. This says that Saint Thyagaraja wanted to convey the listener not to fall for the vices of women but take the path of devotion towards lord Rama .
2 . Manasa Yetulorthune- Malayamarutham : An introspective composition , Thyagaraja questions himself in this . He asks , “ oh dear soul , where are you wandering , take my advice and go to the right path ”. The line in anupallavi says “ Vinavarela GuNa Viheena ” shows the frustration of the composer saying why don ’ t you listen and change your traits and not fall for temporary pleasures .
3 . Swara Raga Sudha- Shankarabharanam : Another spiritual composition which makes the listener introspect him / herself on how to attain long lasting bliss . For example , when we buy a materialistic item which is thrilling at the time of buying but the thrill abates slowly and there is no end to desire . That is what Saint Thyagaraja talks about . He said try to be like a drop on the lotus , balancing yourself and go for the long-lasting path of bliss instead of temporary pleasures .
4 . Dudukugala Nanne Dora- Gowla : One of the golden ghana raga pancharatnas , Thyagaraja takes a step ahead and chides the listeners to behave at a higher level and not fall for temporary happiness . In short , he says “ Live life king size !
5 . Chakkani Raja Margamu- Kharaharapriya : In this kriti , Thyagaraja directly comes to the point saying “ Chakkani Raja Maargamundaga , sandulu thokkanela ?” which means , when the golden devotional path is present right in front of you , why do you want to go in narrow roads and struggle ? Such a simple and cogent way of explaining the way of living !
Saint Thyagarja is not just a vaaggeyakara who hails Lord Rama , but also a person who was observant of people around him and included his opinions in his compositions .
Nobody can become a legendary composer in an easy way ! Saint Thyagaraja is a perfect example .
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