Kalpantha Kalatholam - Ente gramam

 

Singer – KJ Yesudas

Lyrics – Sri Moolanagaram Vijayan

Composition - Vidyadharan 

Prelude – The song “ Kalpantha Kalatholam “ invokes the nostalgic memories of every Keralite with awe-inspiring lyrics . 

Kalpanthakalatholam kathare nee en munnil kalharaharavum ayi nilkkum

Oh Beloved ! Till the end of the ages, you stand before me with a water lily garland.

Kalyanarupanakum kannante karaline kavarna radhikeye pole

You are like the cowherd maiden Radha, who stole the heart of Lord Krishna's auspicious form.  

 

Kannadachalum ente kanmunnil ozhikunna kallolini ello nee

Even if I close my eyes, you are the river flowing before my sight.

Kanmadapoo vidarnnal  kalivirunnu orukunna kasthurimanello nee

When the Oleander flower blooms  , you prepare a joyful feast like the musk deer, which spreads its fragrance through the forest . 

Karpoorameriyunna kathir mandapathile karthika vilakku anu nee

You are the lamp which is lighted on the day of the Karthika star in the pillared hall decorated with sheaves of rice and burning camphor . 

Kadanakavyam pole kaliarangil kanda kathirmayi Damayanti nee

You are Damayanti, radiating light seen dancing on the stage, interpreting the poetry filled with pain. 

Postlude – The song portrays the beloved as the ever- nurturing river and the musk deer, which is oblivious of the fragrance it spreads . The woman in the man’s life is described as the epitome of grace , luminosity and splendour, brightening his life every day. 

Devadhundubi - Ennennum Kannaettante

Singer – KJ Yesudas , Sunanda 

Lyrics – Kaithapram

Composition  – Jerry Amaldev 

Prelude – The song “ Devadhundhubi “, written by Kaithapram, takes us on a journey in quest of knowledge of performing arts .

Devadhundhubhi sandralayam divya vibhata sopana ragalayam

The holy drum ( a percussion instrument ) plays intensely with melody and rhythm near the steps to the sanctum sanctorum of the temple in the divine dawn. 

Dhyanamunarthum mridu pallaviyil kavyamarala gamanalayam

The first soft stanza of the song awakens the meditation, and the  rhythm in motion accompanies the smooth poetry . 

Neeravbhavam marathakamaniyum sauparnikatheera bhoovil

The state of silence glimmers like an emerald in the precincts of the banks of the Souparnika river . 

Poovidum nava mallika lathakalil  sargonmad shruthi vilayam

The ecstasy of creation merges the pitch of song with the new blooming jasmine flowers on the creepers. 

Swaramadhuram jathinadanam padhe padhe subhachalanam

The notes of the music are sweet, and the dance is according to the rhythmic pattern,  and each step taken in the movement while dancing is auspicious .

Poovithelinmel brahmam rachikkum niharabindu ayi nadham

The ultimate truth is created on the petals of flowers . The musical sound is produced from the dipping dewdrop . 

Shrilavasantham swara jathi mittum kachapi veenayay kalam

The auspicious spring plucks "swarajathi " ( It is a composition form that is characterised by its equal emphasis on rhythmic patterns and melodic lyrical enunciation )  and the time becomes Kacchapi Veena ( a type of musical instrument veena )

Azhakin eran nilanchalam chutti harichandana shubhagandham unarthi

The breeze in the early morning circumambulates the " Nilgiri " hills and spreads the fragrance of the yellow sandalwood paste . 

Apsarakanyathan thala vinyas thrikala jati ayi thrisandhyakal

The celestial nymph dances to the arrangement of beats of the rhythmic cycle . Three zones of time ( morning , noon and evening ) form a rhythmic pattern which is performed at three distinct time periods of the day . 

Swaramadhuram jathinadanam padhe padhe subhachalanam

The notes of the music are sweet, and the dance is according to the  rhythmic pattern, and each step taken in the movement while dancing is auspicious .

Postlude – The song describes the serene atmosphere  of the premises of the Kollur Mookambika temple near the bank of the Souparnika river, where students of arts like music and dance perform for the first time to seek blessings from the Goddess for their pursuit of truth in the infinite ocean of knowledge .

 

Chakravarthini - Chembarathi

 

Singer – KJ Yesudas

Lyrics – Vayalar Ramavarma

Composition - G Devarajan 

Prelude – The song “ Chakravarthini “ from the film Chembarathi has been the pulse of Keralites throughout the world due to its dreamy lyrics and heart-stirring melody .

Chakravarthini ninakku njan ente

Shilpagopuram thurannu

Oh Empress ! I have opened my ornamental sculpted tower over the entrance gate for you.

Pushpapadukam purathu vekku nee

Keep your footwear made of flowers outside the temple.

Nagnapadayay akathu varu

Come inside barefoot.

Salbanjikakal kaikalil kusumathalam enthi varavelkkum

The sculptures of young women welcome you with a plate with flowers in their hands .

Panchaloha mani mandirangangil manvilakkukal pookum

The earthen lamps bloom in the temple with the bell made of five metals. 

Devasundarikal kankalil pranaya dahmode nadamadum

The heavenly nymphs with love and desire in their eyes dance in front of me. 

Chaitrapadmadala mandapangalil rudraveenakal padum thane padum

The rudraveena ( a musical instrument ) sings by itself in the pillared hall of the temple decorated by the petals of the lotus from the spring season.

 

Sharadendukala chutinum kanaka parijata malar thukum

The autumnal moon with its 16 phases showers golden parijata flowers ( night-flowering jasmine )  on the precincts of the temple . 

Shilpakanyakakal ninte veedhikalil rathna kambalam neerthum

The statues of young maidens will fill your pathway with a carpet of gems . 

Kamamohinikal nine en hridaya kavyaloka sakhi akkum

The goddesses of enchantment make you the partner of my poetic world in my heart.

Machakangalil manju shayayil lajja kondu njan mudum nine mudum

I will embrace you in the beautiful bed in the attic, and you will blush with shyness.

Postlude – The precincts of the temple with the gateway ,lamps and garland of flowers have been a source of inspiration for every lyricist . The great poet Vayalar Rama Varma enters into the mind of Keralites,  stringing together the visions of the sculptures, flowers blooming in the trees and the lamps adorning the temple premises.  

Sreepadam Vidarnna Sarasiruhathil - Eatho Oru Swapnam

 

Singer – KJ Yesudas

Lyrics – Sreekumaran Thampi

Composition - Salil Chaudhary

Prelude – The song “ Sree Padam Vidarna Sarasiruhathil “ is composed in raag Hamsadhwani, invoking the spirit of devotion while paying obeisance to the Goddess .

Ohm anaghaye namah

Salutations to the sinless one.

Ohm achalaye namah

Salutations to the one who is fixed.

Ohm ajayaye namah

Salutations to the one who cannot be conquered. 

Ohm amruthaye namah

Salutations to the one who is blessed by the nectar of immortality .

Sree padam vidarnna sarasiruhathil

The auspicious feet bloom in the lotus. 

Janani adiyan thuvumi hridaya ragam

Dear Mother , I am showering a song from my heart.

Ponparagamayi aniyu aniyu devi

Oh Goddess ! Please embellish yourself with my song like the golden pollen powder.

Ashrusamudhram alaridumbol

The ocean of tears is roaring in agony.

Neeye devi abhayanaukayai

Oh Goddess ! Only you are the one like a boat of refuge. 

Varam thannu nee kaniyu varade vanaje

Please show mercy on us by granting boons , Oh Goddess born in the forest.

 

Nithyanandham pakarum brahmam

The ultimate truth spreads eternal bliss. 

Neeye dharmam  ee janma marmam

You are the righteousness, and you are life’s secret.

Shivam nin dhanam

Your fortune is the auspiciousness you bring into our lives.

Choriyu vimale ( Pure )  viraje ( splendour )

Please bless us with your pure splendour.

Postlude – The lyricist Srikumaran Thampi takes us through a spiritual journey where the ultimate truth is realised through the Goddess who nurtures us with her benevolence, purity and splendour .

Pardadari - Abida Parveen and Atif Aslam

Lyrics – Hazrat Bedam Shah Warsi

Singers – Abida Parveen and Atif Aslam

Composition – Abida Parveen 

Prelude – The song “Pardadari “ by the queen of qawwali Abida Parveen and Atif Aslam takes us through the path of devotion and the supreme power of God, who is as vast and infinite as the sky . 

Mujhmain ab rang sab tumhara hai

I am dyed in the colour of your love.

Itna keh do ki tu hamara hai

Just say that you belong to me.

 

Teri kudraton ka shumar kya

Your divine power is infinite. 

Teri vusaton ka hisaab kya

There is no account of your abundance and expanse.

Tum hi se alam main rango bu

There is colour and fragrance in the universe because of you.

Teri shaan jalla jallalahu

Your pride and glory is great. 

 

Jo aaye tumhari bazm main

Jo aaye tumhari bazm main

Deewana ho jaye

Whoever comes to your gathering becomes crazily in love with you.

Yeh achi pardadari hai

Yeh achi raazdari hai

This is a wondeful veil . This is a wonderful secrecy. 

Yaha hona na hona hai

Naa hona ain hona hai

To be here is to not be here.

To not be here is to be exactly here.

Jise hona ho kuch

Khaak e dar e jaana na ho jaaye

May he who seeks to be something not merely become the dust of the beloved's door. 

Yeh achi pardadari hai

Yeh achi raazdari hai

Vo mai de de jo pehle shibli o mansoor ko di thi

To “bedam “ bhi nisar e murshid e maikhana ho jaaye

Please give me the wine you gave first to Shibli and Mansoor.

So “ Bedam “ will also become the sacrifice of the spiritual guide of the tavern. 

Yeh achi pardadari hai

Yeh achi raazdari hai

 

O Maula

Maula mere maula

Oh master !

Humain bhi jalwa gah e

Naaz par lekar chalo Moosa

Take us to the stage of divine manifestation ! Prophet Moses

Tumhe gash aa gaya toh

Husn e jaana kaun dekhega

If you faint , who will behold the beloved's beauty?

 

Chali hain meri aahein

Arsh ka paaya hilane ko

My sighs travel to move the foundation of the sky.

Kahin barham nizam e alam e bala na ho jaaye

We must be cautious , though , lest our intense yearning disturbs the system of the celestial realm. 

Yeh achi raazdari hai

Nami danam che akhir choon dam e deedar mi raqsam

I don’t know, but in the moment of your sight , I dance. 

Manam bismil ke zeir e kanjar e khoon khar mee raqsam

I am the slain one, who beneath the blood-shedding dagger, dances. 

Zahey taqwa ke mun ba jubaa o dastar mi raqsam

What great piety! I dance even while wearing the formal robe and turban. 

Manam qatra e Shabnam ba nok e khar mee raqsam

I am the drop of dew , dancing upon the tip of the thorn . 

Postlude – The song refers to the complete surrender to God . It explains the abundance and expanse of God in the universe . The Sufi lover dances in ecstacy involuntarily . He sacrifices himself to get joy. Even in difficult circumstances he dances, venerating God. 

Man Kunto Maula – Raga boyz OST Maximum

Lyrics – Nasir Ali Nasir

Singers – Raga boyz

Composition – Wali hamid Ali ( Raga boyz ) , Kamran , Saaji

Prelude – Taking the verses from “ Man Kunto Maula “ written by Sufi mystic Amir Khusrau in praise of Hazrat Ali , Nasir Ali Nasir has woven the lyrics,taking into account epithets of Hazrat Ali . The composers enchant us with their fusion music, with the tabla beats and harmonium accompanying the melodious qawwali.  

Man kunto maula Ali hai

Man kunto maula Ali hai

Whoever I am master to  , Ali is his master too.

Ye Mohammed ne hai kaha

Ali maula mushkil kusha

Prophet Mohammad had said Hazrat Ali is master as well as the resolver of difficulties .

Aap heen hai sher e khuda

Shaan duniya ke hadith rawan

You are the lion of God Allah ( sher- e-khuda is a title given to Hazrat Ali )

You are the pride of the world , a flowing stream of  hadith ( Hadith is transmitted reports of what Prophet Mohammad said and did )

Yeh naam bhi jisne liya

Usme rehmat ata

Whoever takes the name of Hazrat Ali will be bestowed with the gift of divine mercy and kindness.

Man kunto maula

Man kunto maula ( Haq ali ali )

Hazrat Ali is the truth. 

 

Koi nahi hai inke jaisa

Jo mushkilon ko dur bhagaye

There is nobody like Hazrat Ali who drives away the difficulties from our lives.

Naam yehi toh har mushkil main har uljhan main saath nibhaye

Only Hazrat Ali stands by us during the time of difficulties and dilemma. 

Ab maula tere utte aawe

Oh God ! I am leaving everything in your hands.

Man mushkil vich gabrawe

My heart fears facing difficulties.

Mera maan toh maula ali hai

My honour is guarded by Hasrat Ali. 

Sone rab de khaas wali ka

Hazrat Ali is the dearest friend of the beautiful God Allah.

Kaabe ki shaan , sarwar ki jaan

Raazi hai inse khuda

Hazrat Ali is the pride of the house of God , “ Kaaba “ , and the life of chief of the universe, God Allah.

God Allah agrees with Hazrat Ali.

Aki jo malang sach afufan ladenge

The dervish is bathed in the radiance of purity and truth.

Aj ne te gali sare ali ali kelenge

Every street resounds with " Ali , Ali, " as we pour our hearts out to him. 

Tab daye pyara ali khulle himan

Ali mere dil lete ali meri jaan

Hazrat Ali resides in my heart, and he is my life.

Asadullah Wajahullah haq tha wali yeh

Hazrat Ali is the lion of God and one who has the reflection of the divine attributes of God Allah .

Arsh farsh te naam aa ali yeh

The name of Hazrat Ali echoes across the heaven and the earth. 

Mushkil kusha sher he khuda

Wah maula ali maula ali maula

Hazrat Ali is the remover of obstacles and the lion of God.

Hazrat Ali is the master. 

Postlude – The song has intrigued me since the first time I heard it in 2012 .  The Raga Boys show their prowess in classical Hindustani music by singing taans and mystic syllables, adding magic to the song . This song takes us through the path of the mystic Sufi saints in realizing God.  . 

Kaithapoo Manamenthe Chanchalakshi - Sneham

Singer - Radhika Tilak 

Lyrics - Yusuf Ali Kecheri 

Composition - Perumbavoor G Ravindranath

Prelude – This song forms a part of my “ Onam “ celebrations during my school days when my classmates and seniors used to dance to this song for competitions . The song portrays the vistas of rural life and the life of women there, unaware of the fast pace of life outside the hinterland .

Kaithapoo manamenthe chanchalakshi

You are fragrant like the “ kaithapoo flower “ ( screw pine , kewda or ketki ).  Oh woman  ! whose eyes move constantly

Innu nin maran vannu madhuram thannu

Today your beloved has come and given you a sweet offering to break the fast during the Thiruvathira festival .

Athira kulir polum manasil choodu

You adorn your mind with beauty like the flowers you wear in your hair during the cool night of “ Thiruvathirakali “ ( a dance form done by the women of Kerala during the day of the Thiruvathira star in Sagittarius month , called "dhanu masam" in Malayalam )

Konjum kuyil pole Kavitha padu

You sing poetry like the cossetting cuckoo.

Mridumadhumozhi

Your words are soft and sweet like honey.

Maran nine chumbichitto tambulam kondo

Manjuvani ninakinnu chodi chuvannu

Oh woman whose sound is sweet ! Your lips have become red - I don’t know whether it’s due to your beloved's kiss or you chewed betel leaves along with areca nut and slaked lime. ( Betel quid ) 

Swapnam kandu kidanitto viraham kondo

Urakachadavinal nin mizhi thalarnnu

Your eyes are bleary due to sleeplessness . It is either because you are dreaming or because of separation from your beloved.

Indira parkum mandiram elle

Nandakumar vishala hridantam

The goddess Lakshmi resides inside the generous temple - like heart of Lord Vishnu.

Neeyathu poi sakhi thamasmakuk

Ninnude mara manasil olikuka

Dear friend ! Please go and dwell in the heart of your husband , just like Goddess Lakshmi resides in the heart of Lord Vishnu

Mankamarpadi onnai oonjalil adi

The maidens are singing and swaying in a swing.

Kannanethedi Radha kakali padi

Radha sang with a soft , sweet sound ( kakali ), calling out to Lord Krishna

Dhanukuliril dhanusedutthu manimalaramban

The lord of desire ( Kamadev or cupid ) took the bow and strung an arrow made of flowers in the cool Sagittarius season .

Pramadvanam pranayapoovin parimalam choodi

The royal garden attached to the harem is adorned with the fragrance of the love-smitten flower.

Annakili chinnakili thalathil melathil kummi adikkan va

Perform the kummi dance ( a dance performed in circular motion by women of Kerala by clapping hands; precisely a folk dance ) in rhythm and according to the beats produced by an ensemble of musical instruments . 

Postlude – The lyricist Yusuf Ali Kecheri has brought the lore of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi and that of Lord Krishna and Goddess Radha,who is a milkmaid . The mythology of Lord Shiva comes with the usage of themes like the Thiruvathira star , the advent of the Sagittarius month and the fasting of the women for the long life of their husbands . The theme of Lord Krishna shows the dance of divine love by him and the milkmaids of Vrindavan in the garden at night.