Vinayakuni Valenu Brovave / Madhyamavathi / Adi / Thyagaraja / Trichur V Ramachandran

LYRICS AND MEANING Krithi: Vinayakuni valenu brovave Ragam: Madhyamavathi Thalam: Adi Composer: Thyagaraja Vocal: Trichur V Ramachandran Trichur V Ramachandran born in 1940 at Thrissur in Kerala, Ramachandran grew up in a musical atmosphere. His mother was a natural albeit untrained musician who sang Ashtapadi’s and sloka’s. Ramachandran took his first steps in music imitating her. His sisters were learning music, and he could sing all the songs they learnt. He started formal lessons with Varkala Subramania Bhagavathar. After he grasped the basics, some friends suggested that he shift for advanced training to Tripunithura Krishna Iyer, who had recently moved from Annamalai University to Thrissur. Krishna Iyer laid the foundation on which the edifice of Ramachandran’s music was built. At that time he started taking part in competitions , one such competition where he was pitted against K.J. Yesudass, another stroke of luck came his way. One of the judges of the contest, M.L. Vasanthakumari, impressed by his singing, said, “Why don’t you join GNB as his student?” Then he decided to go to Madras to meet GNB. After listening to the boy sing, GNB asked him to join classes from the next day. GNB taught him many compositions, meticulously ensuring that he grasped every nuance perfectly. Most of the manodharma was however something he learnt by osmosis, by being around his guru, listening, observing and absorbing. After a couple of years of learning from GNB, Ramachandran started accompanying him in concerts. After his guru’s death, Ramachandran received a Central Government scholarship to learn music, but had no guru. Palghat Mani Iyer advised him to learn from Ariyakudi Ramanuja Iyengar. he found the legend lying in bed, clearly on the last leg of his journey. He was in no position to teach anyone. Ramachandran then approached M.L. Vasanthakumari who accepted him as her disciple and his career blossomed under her guidance. Ramachandran married within his bani. Charumathi, his wife, a student of M.L. Vasanthakumari, is an accomplished musician and teacher. He has accumulated a number of titles including Padma Bhushan from the President of India. His daughter Subhashree Ramachandran is also a popular Carnatic Vocalist. In this krithi, Thyagaraja Swami appeals to Goddess Kamakṣhi of Kanchipuram as the ultimate savior. He says even deities like Ganesha, Brahma, and Rama sought her grace. She is the protector of the helpless, remover of sins, destroyer of suffering, and sister of Lord Krishna. Thyagaraja pleads for her compassion and intervention, surrendering completely at her feet. Pallavi Vinayakuni valenu brovave ninu vina velpulavaramma Anupallavi Anatha rakshaki shri kamakshi sujanagha mochani shankari janani Charanam 1 Naradhamulakunu varalosaga nunda ramulai bhusuradi devatulu rayadini jendaradu daya juda rada kanchipuradi nayaki Charanam 2 Pithamahudu jana hitharthamai ninnu the theliya veda thalimi gala avatharametti ikanu thamasamu seya thala jalamu natarti harini Charanam 3 Birana dayache giralu makuniki rajesi brochu rajadhari tyagarajuni hrdaya saroja melina murari sodari parashakthi nanu --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Meaning: Oh Mother, protect me as you would protect your son Vinayaka. Is there any other Goddess like you? You are the savior of hapless. You are Kamakshi the consort of Sankara that dispels the sins of good people. let not Bhoosuras (priests) and devotees suffer. Why don't you show mercy on them, Oh Goddess of Kancheepuram? When Brahma the creator appealed to you to incarnate on this earth for the welfare of mankind, you graced yourself in satvika avataram (gentle appearance). Oh Mother, you are known for dispelling the grief of your devotees. We cannot bear further delay. You are legendary. You bestowed voice to a dumb poet. Oh Queen, kindly protect us, granting boons. You are the esteemed sister of Lord Vishnu, you are the supreme power. You are the lotus of Thyagaraja's heart. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- DISCLAIMER : These songs have been uploaded for hearing pleasure only and as an archive for Carnatic music. By this I don't wish to violate any copyrights owned by the respective owners of these songs if any. I don't own any copyright of the songs myself. If anything is in violation of the copyright you own, then please let me know, I shall remove it from my Youtube channel.