Thyagaraja's Rama Bhakthi

Why words fail every time I listen to Thyagaraja ?  Why do I forget myself and the world around me when I play his krithis ? Sri Thyagaraja and his Bhakti are like flesh and nail; flower and fragrance; child and mother’s affection.

Sri Thyagaraja's pieces which reflect different kinds of "rasa" are matchless for their excellence and richness of imagination, and they depict his deep sense of observation. His sweet songs are to say about the saddest thought and a melancholy note may pass on a sweet memory. As color can have different shades, the emotions he could portray are in a variety of shades. I love the way he depicts different kinds of Rama in his different Kritis. I wonder how he always dwelt in the immediate presence of Rama in his thoughts holding dialogues with Rama, getting angry with Him and pleading with Him to give him salvation. How is it humanly possible to think about just one thing throughout one’s life? I am not even able to think of a single thing continuously for 2 hours at a stretch.

Many of his compositions are the result of his reactions to the incidents in Rama’s life that continue to impact every generation in many subtle ways. Wah… Rama should have known about himself better only from Thyagaraja. The greatness of his music lies in the melody of his song, suggestive of the meaning of the Sahitya, because of the natural combination of "raga" and "rasa" in the Sahitya.

I see the compelling sahithya. I see his burning devotion and love for Rama in every word of this sahitya.

Brova Bharama Raghurama Bhuvanamella Nivai Nannokani Brova Bharama
Is it a burden to protect just me when you are everything on this earth ?
Shri Vasudeva, Andakota guksini unchukoleda - Nannu Brova Bharama
Hey Vasudeva, you had the whole world in your stomach. Remember Krishna showing this entire world to yashodha opening his mouth). For a person of such stature, is it difficult and a burden to protect just me in this world?
Kalasha ambudhilo dayato namarulaki adigaaka, gopikalakai kondalethaledha ? karunakara… thyagarajuni brova bharama ??
Did you not lovingly borne for the sake of the Devas the whole weight of Mount Mandara when the ocean was churned? (Refering to Kurma avatar of lord Vishnu) Did you not lift the Mount Govardhana for the sake of Gopis? (Refers to Krishnavatara) Oh lord, the merciful! Then, is it so hard for you to protect this Thyagaraja?

For him, Rama is beyond the Trinity, Tri-murthy. Rama is Para Brahman. Rama is another name for Brahman. Therefore, he counsels to submit to Rama with Love and true devotion, to surrender to Rama in absolute faith; and, be immersed in Rama-bhakthi. And, he avers that such real Bhakthi alone is the right royal way to salvation

No wonder, Sri Rama came down from Vaikunta to bless Thyagaraja


His music is a treasure and an undivided property. It belongs to all musicians and music lovers. His compositions are monuments to music.


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