Neerajakshi Kamakshi / Hindolam / Rupakam / Dikshidar / M S Sheela

Krithi: Neerajakshi Kamakshi Ragam: Hindolam Thalam: Rupakam Composer: Muthuswami Dikshidar Vocal: M S Sheela M S Sheela is a distinguished Carnatic vocalist from Karnataka, renowned for her versatility across classical, light, and devotional music genres. Born on March 16, 1952, in Bengaluru, she was immersed in a musical environment from an early age, receiving her initial training from her mother, M. N. Rathna, a respected vocalist and All India Radio (AIR) artist. She later honed her skills under the tutelage of Sangeetha Kalanidhi R. K. Srikantan, becoming one of his prominent disciples. Sheela holds a postgraduate degree in music from Bangalore University, where she was a gold medalist. Notably, she became the first woman from Karnataka to attain top rank status in both classical and light music on AIR and Doordarshan. Her performances have graced prestigious stages across India and internationally, including the USA, Canada, the Middle East, and the UK. Over her illustrious career, Sheela has received numerous accolades and has been honored with titles such as "Ganakalashree" and "Asthana Vidushi" of the Sringeri Sharada Peetham. Violin: H M Smitha Mridangam: Anoor Ananthakirhsna Sharma Ghadam: Sukhanya Ramgopal This composition is a profound hymn to Goddess Kamakshi, blending elements of Srividya, Advaita philosophy, music, and mythology. Muthuswami Dikshidar weaves in imagery from classical iconography (lotus eyes, moon-like face, cloud-dark hair), metaphysical ideas (Tathva, Nava Varna, Antahkarana), and the intimate devotion of a seeker longing for divine grace. Pallavi Neerajakshi kamakshi neerada chikure tripure Anupallavi Sarada rama nayane sarasa chandranane varija pade varade taraya mam tatwa pade Charanam Gouri hindola dyuthi heera manimayabharane Sauri virinchi vinuta Siva Sakthi maya navavarane Nari maayadyarchitha navanadhantah karane soori jana samsevitha sundara guru guha karane ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Meaning: Oh Kamakshi, you are lotus eyed Tripura ( (another form of Shakti, also means "ruler of the three cities"). Your tresses are like dark clouds. Your lotus like face resembles autumn moon. Your lotus like feet bestow us boons. You enlighten us with spiritual wisdom and liberate . Oh Gouri,your glory is sung in Hindola ragam. You are embellished with gem studded ornaments. Maha Vishnu, Brahma and Siva adore your supreme status in the nine zones of Srichakram. The most virtuous women worship you conscienciously. You are served well by multitudes of Devatas. Beautiful Guru Guha always meditates upon you. ( Meaning Courtesy : Damodara Rao Dasu) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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 any song is in violation of the copyright you own, then please let me know, I shall remove it from my Youtube channel.