In praise of Goddess Matangi (Dikshitar's composition followed by my own)

P͟a͟i͟n͟t͟i͟n͟g͟s͟:͟ Mangalya Ghosh (  / _mangalyart_   and    / @benja_mini86  . Used with the artist's permission. P͟h͟o͟t͟o͟g͟r͟a͟p͟h͟s͟:͟ Public domain images obtained from Wikimedia Commons and Unsplash 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗼𝘄 Today is the navami of Magha Navaratri. On this occasion, I present to you the following: 1. Mudduswami Dikshitar's "Meenakshi Me Mudam Dehi" in the raga Gamakakriya, and 2. Raga Jaijaiwanti Opening verses of the famous Shyamala Dandakam attributed to Kalidasa (https://stotram.lalitaalaalitah.com/2...) Followed by my own composition on Goddess Matangi, "Maanik Beena". I learnt "Meenakshi Me Mudam Dehi" by listening to recordings of Vidwan T. M. Krishna and his shishyas. More about Gamakakriya: https://guruguha.org/gamakakriya-cont... (information about the raga, including Vid. TMK's recording)    • mInAkshi mE mudam dEhi - gamakakriya - adi...   (rendition by his shishyas) Lyrics and meaning of "Meenakshi Me Mudam Dehi": https://guru-guha.blogspot.com/2008/0... Lyrics and meaning of my composition: मानिक-बीना मृदु झंकारत, अधर मंद मुसकान खेलत। सुरुचिर कुंडल डोलत श्रवनन, ग्यान-जोत मुखमंडल झलकत॥ सघन विपिन-सम रंग साँवरो, नील केस हैं निसा-गगन-सम। अंगुली ऊपर सूवा बिराजे, हरित पाँख सोहें जैसे मरकत॥ देवि तिहारी बीना-धुनि सुनि हिय गावत, तन नाचत ठुमकत। तुमरी ही जगमोहनी मूरत नजर मोहि सुर-सुर में आवत नित ही तिहारे कदम्ब-विपिन में गूँज रही सूवन की बोली। चित चाहत उनके संग हमहूँ उड़त फिरें तुमरो गुन गावत॥ The ruby-studded veena strums gently. On her lips, a soft smile plays. Beautiful earrings swing from her ears. The light of knowledge shines forth from her moon-like face. Her colour is dark like a dense forest; Her black hair, like the night sky. On her finger sits a parrot, Its green wings resplendent like emeralds. O Goddess! Hearing the sound of your veena, My heart sings, my body dances. In every swara, it is your charming form that I see. In your kadamba forest, The calls of parrots are constantly echoing. My heart wishes: Along with them, I too want to fly around, singing your praises. Shyamala Dandakam with meaning in English - https://stotram.lalitaalaalitah.com/2...