Significance of non-devotional compositions of Saint Thyagaraja
The first word Carnatic musicians and rasikas get in mind when they hear the name Thyagaraja is Lord Rama . This is to some extent an undeniable fact , but the genius composer had much more than to just hail the Lord Rama . He was deeply spiritual , and at the same time satirical about the social issues that prevailed during his life time . His sarcasm on human cravings and how fickle the mind can be was penned in many compositions . Let it be becoming a slave to worldly vices , or lack of spiritual living , respecting women , and what not ? Saint Thyagaraja is much more than a Lord Rama Devotee . Score brings you some of his non-devotional compositions :
1 . Entha Nerchina- Suddha Dhanyasi : This composition cleverly speaks about no matter how much you learn , achieve and an influential person , they are ultimately a slave to women . For those times , this was indeed a bold statement and it greatly shows about feminism which became the norm after hundreds of years and became a debatable point now .
2 . Gyanamosagaraada- Purvi Kalyani : In this marvellous composition , Saint Thyagaraja pleads the listeners to gain knowledge and make learning a life long process . The beautiful words penned by Saint Thyagaraja about knowledge are relevant even till date . In fact , this composition has all the life skill lessons and positivity .
3 . Manasa Yetulorthune- Malayamarutham : Here Thyagaraja goes to an aggressive mode by demanding the common people to control the thoughts and stay in a meditative state and by taking the path of spirituality , the life becomes a better experience . “ Vinavadela GuNaviheena ”( Why can ’ t listen- O , human of bad vices !): This one term is enough to say how anguished the composer was .
4 . Dudukugala – Gowla : The second pancharatnam set in raaga Gowla , the saint digs in deeper into the caste system , social evils and mentions specifically that spirituality is the only path for reaching greater heights of life .
5 . Varaleela Gaaana Lola- Shankarabharanam : Composed for the British band swaras that was played while welcoming them to India , this composition is short yet sweet . It speaks about the innocence of children and how they would become future citizens with principles .
With these clear-cut examples , the opinion on Saint Thyagaraja changes completely and we get to know the other side of the Carnatic maestro . Such is the magic of Saint Thyagaraja who can compose on any topic along with devotional compositions .
During this Thyagaraja Aaradhana season , let us reminisce the other side of Saint Thyagaraja ’ s compositions by grabbing a warm mug of filter coffee ! The biggest life lesson we can get from his compositions is that even a greatest vaaggeyakaara had struggles in life and with the help of music , he became a role -model for generations to come .
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