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Sri Naamasankeerthanaa Trust
Ramnagar, Coimbatore
Welcome to This year Bhajanothsavam Festival 2008 will take place at Sri Ayyappan Puja Sangam, Ramnagar, Coimbatore, from 30.07.2008 to 03.08.2008.With the support of Bhagavathaas and donors, necessary arrangement are being made for the celebration of Bhajanothsavam Festival 2008. As in the previous years. Please visit our web site: http://www.namasankeerthana.com/ for programme details. All are requested to participate and make the event a memorable one.
Bhagawan Nama Bhodendra Swamigal
As the sun dawned on the eastern horizon, Kesava stepped out of his home and walked towards the Kanchi Mutt. Visiting the Mutt, worshiping the shrine of Adi Sankara and other deities and offering obeisance to the Acharya, Sri Athmabodendra Saraswathi formed parts of the daily routine of Kesava. It was like any other day but with a small difference. This day, he was bringing his young son also along, to seek the blessings of Swamigal. While walking, holding the young boy's hand, Kesava pondered what his son would become in future. That was sometime in the year 1627.
"He is my son, Purushothaman" said Kesava introducing him to the Kanchi Acharya. Acharya Swamigal looked at the young son for a while and then asked the father: "What are you going to contribute for the Mutt"? "Whatever that you wish and command" replied Kesava with all reverence. "Well" said Swamigal, pointing at his son "then, give him to the Mutt". Coming from the Acharya of a venerable Institution like Sankara Mutt, the order, however unpleasant it may be, had to be obeyed and Kesava agreed. The young Purushotham joined the Mutt, received the formal initiation to sainthood (Diksha) and ascended the Peetam in 1638 as Bhodendra Saraswathi Swamigal. It was Bhagawan Nama Bhodendra Swamigal, the 58th Achaarya of Kanchi Mutt who pioneered the Nama Sangeerthanam movement.
The spiritual fulfillment was sought in many ways in different ages. While the path of meditation was prescribed for Krita Yuga, the way of sacrifice was advocated for Treta Yuga and the emphasis was on service in Dvapara Yuga. As the Kali Yuga approached, Narada sought the advice of Lord Krishna. Having visualized the plight of the people in Kali Yuga, Lord Krishna advocated an easy path for them. He said: "He who seeks Me through the simple means of Nama Sangeerthanam would easily reach Me". Thus, Nama Sangeerthanam has been recognized as the effective way of reaching the Lord in the age of Kali Yuga. The Lord had said: "I do not live in Vaikunta or in the heart of saints or among Gopikas. I live in the heart of devotees who sing my glories"
"Na Aham Vasaami Vaikunte, Na Yogi Hridaye Ravou Mat Bhakta Yatra Gayanti Tatra Thishtaami, Narada!"
When Narada queried as to how to lead the people towards this belief and how to make them convince, the Lord said, He Himself would incarnate, over the period, as a seer, as a saint or as a singer to highlight the value of Nama Sangeerthanam. Over the ages, the Lord Himself descended to Bharatha Varsha, manifesting himself as Vyasa, Sukha and as other sages, kindled the light of devotion and guided humanity to the righteous path. Sri Adi Sankara expressed devotion through Bhaja Govindam. Arunagirinathar hailed the glory of Muruga through Thiruppugazh. The Musical Trinity, Saint Thyagaraja, Muthuswamy Deekshithar and Shyama Sastrigal showed us the way to God through music. There were legends like Jayadevar, Chaitanya, Annamacharya, Thukkaram, Ramadas, Purandaradasar, and Narayana Theertha, to mention a few, who highlighted the value of devotion through Keerthans. The life of each of them was a saga of devotion and dedication.
It was the boy who, one fine morning, walked his way to the Kanchi Mutt and later became its head as Sri Bhodendra Swaraswathy Swamigal who revived Nama Sangeerthanam tradition in South. Even while performing duties as the Sankaracharya of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam, Sri Bhodendra Saraswathi Swamigal used to visit different holy places. Sitting on the banks of river Kaveri, he would start meditating, sing the glory of the God and then prompt others to join him. He believed that one who chants Rama Nama or sing His glory would find fulfillment in life. In his immortal works, Rama Karnamrutham and Naamamrutha Rasaayanam he stressed the importance of chanting Rama Nama. He said, while performing different duties assigned to each, one should seek God, with heart full of devotion, by singing (Keerthana), reciting (Japa) hearing (Sravana) and meditating (Smarana).
A contemporary of Bhodendra Swamigal, Sri Sreedhara Ayyaval, was another great exponent of Nama Sangeerthanam. Born to Lingaraya at Mysore, Sreedhara Ayyaval spurned the offer of Ministership and went on an extensive pilgrimage. He found Tiruvisainallur, located on the banks of river, Kaveri, as the ideal place to pursue his spiritual mission. He became an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva and acquired mastery over Vedic texts and composed many scholarly works like Padamani Manjari, Navaratnamalika, Dayasathakam, Achuthashtakam, Ramamrutha Rasayanam, Stuthi Padhathi etc. Hearing his great works and the great miracles happening in his life, Sri Bhodendra Saraswathi Swamigal came in contact with Ayyaval and it became a lifelong association between them.
While the revered Acharya sowed the seeds of Nama Sangeerthanam tradition and Sri Ayyaval nourished it, Sri Maruthanallur Sadguru Swamigal (1977-1817) helped it to grow further. Venkatarama Desikan, who later came to be known as Sadguru Swamigal, was born in Thiruvidaimaruthur in Thanjavur District in 18th centuary. It is believed that while performing Pradakshina, Sadguru Swamigal happened to discover a rare book titled Nama Koumudhi which turned out to be a source of immense inspiration for him. He turned the river Kavery to a northern direction to build a memorial for his master, Bhodendra Swamigal. Sadguru Swamigal brought about an orderly system of Bhajan rendering, known as Sampradaya or Padhadi Bhajan. The elaborate Bhajan Sambradhaya devised by him is divided into three major categories like Thodaya Mangalam followed by Guru and Dasar Keerthanas, Divya Nama Sangeerthanam, Gopika Geetham and Dololthsavam each part containing slokas, songs and Namavalis and concluded with Mangala Aarathi. An elaborate Padhathi (method) has also been composed for Kalyanothsavam. Just as the Musical Trinity, a Nama Sangeerthanam Trinity has also come into being with Bhodendra Saraswathi Swamigal, Sreedhara Ayyaval and Sadguru Swamigal. There were many others, like Gjnananda Swamigal, Pudukottai Gopalakrishna Bhagavathar, Swami Haridas Giri etc. All of them left an indelible message in the minds of the people that Nama Sangeerthanam is the sure and easy way to God realization and salvation.
They were God-incarnates. Most of them, saints, musicians and composers who helped to nurture the tradition of Nama Sangeerthanam were born and grew up around Kaveri belt. It would seem that the waves of Kaveri produce the eternal notes of Thala in rhythm or sometime they sound like the music of Nama Sangeerthanam. The river Kaveri has come to symbolize the hoary tradition of Nama Sangeerthan. As the season of Bhajanothsavam dawns, the whole land would be immersed in the serenity of music. Kaveri, on whose surroundings the tradition of Nama Sangeerthanam flourished, would then flow through all over South India.
According to Ajamila Charitra in Srimad Bhagavatam, the practice of chanting the Divine Names would uproot all inherent Vasanas, carried over from previous lives, cleanse our mind and take us to the right path. The mind that is pure and free from all negative thoughts would then be able to concentrate on Krishna, the divine Power. The supreme Good that one is able to realize through meditation can now be easily achieved through the means of Nama Sangeerthana.
"Kalau Kalmasha chittaanaam Paapa Dravyopajeevinaam Vidhi Kriya viheenaanaam gathir Govinda keertanam"
The scriptures say that the practice of Nama Sangeerthanam would liberate us from past karmas (consequences arising out of past actions) and help us to attain spiritual fulfillment There is a misconception that the people of Kali Yuga are unfortunate because at this age only we witness a general decline in religious and moral values. The Vishnu Purana refutes this belief and says that the people of Kali Yuga are fortunate because they can achieve God Realization (Ishwara Sakshathkaram) through simple means of Nama Sangeerthanam whereas devotees of bygone ages had to undergo extreme hardship and struggle to attain the same end.
Unlike other paths, the concept of Nama Sangeerthanam does not stipulate any conditions or regulations. It neither requires in depth knowledge of scriptures nor binds one to rigid practices of meditation or penance. The path of Nama Sangeerthanam is simple. It calls for just chanting of Bhagawan Nama by means of rendering or hearing (Sravanam and Keerthanam). Anyone can render Namasangeerthanam, anytime and from anywhere. It is a simple way by which one could attain God realization (Iswara Sakshathkaram), the goal many saints and seers achieved through extreme struggle, sacrifice and penance in the past.
It is a rejuvenating sign that the spirit of devotion is progressively expressed through Bhajan and the concept of Bhajanothsavam is catching up at many places. Every village like Pushpagiri in Thrissur or Kalpathi in Palakkad used to celebrate a temple festival in a year. Now Bhajanothsavam has come to be accepted as the second grand festival and residents who have migrated to other places make it a point to visit their home town during this period.
We have a galaxy of luminaries like Sri O.S. Sundar, Sri Udayaloor Kalyanaraman, Kovai Sri Jayaraman, Erode Sri Rajamani, Abhang Vidwan, Ganapathi Maharaj, Senkottai Sri Hari etc. There are many such stars who are equally skilled and devotional and who uphold the Namasangeerthanam tradition with great zeal and enthusiasm. May such stars appear more and lead us to the path of devotion.
May the spirit of devotion find its expression through Nama Sangeerthanam at many more places. May the melodies of Nama Sangeerthanam reverberate all over. Soon, the sweet sounds of Bhajan would reach the ears of Krishna and he would descend and be one among us.
SRI KANCHI KAMAKOTI PEETHAM SRI SANKARACHARYA SEVA SAMITHI TRUST - Reg.No.40/2003SRO,Palakkad - Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi Sankaracharya Veda Pathasala, Veda Rakshana Samithi, Ramanathapuram Agraharam, Palakkad-678 001. Mobile:9995016666, 9846035040 Web Site: - www.bhajanotsavam.blogspot.com E-Mail:- bhajanotsavam@gmail.com -DETAILED PROGRAMME NOTICE PUBLISHED BELOW.
Pkd Bhajanotsavam-2013 Aug 14th Morning Programme Photos.
PALAKKAD BHAJANOTSAVAM-2013 PHOTOS
Palakkad Bhajanotsavam-2011 August 7th Vasanthothsavam & Anjaneyothsavam Photos
PALAKKAD BHAJANOTSAVAM-2011 AUGUST 7th SEETHAKALYANAM PHOTOS
PALAKKAD BHAJANOTSAVAM-2011 AUGUST 6TH PROGRAMME PHOTOS
Palakkad Bhajanotsavam-2011 August 5th EVENING PROGRAMME PHOTOS
Palakkad Bhajanotsavm-2011 August 5th MORNING PROGRAMME PHOTOS
PALAKKAD BHAJANOTSAVAM-2011 August 4th PROGRAMME PHOTOS
PALAKKAD BHAJANOTSAVM-2011 3rd Aug Programme PHOTOS
KALPATHY PHOTOS BHAJANOTSAVAM AND AVANIAVITTAM
Palakkad Bhajanotsavam Anjaneya Vesham vedeo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qv3pl51VgK0&feature=channel
Palakkad Bhajanotsavam Smt.Savitha Sriram Programme
Bairavan Ramji Playing Tabala wit Sri.Manikandan
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59NVRW91pbg
Kalpathy Avaniavittam 2010 vedeo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNtxZfvUHcI
Kalpathy Avaniavittam 2010 Photos LMG Temple
http://picasaweb.google.com/lmgkalpathy/KalpathyAvaniavittam2010Photos#
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qv3pl51VgK0&feature=channel
Palakkad Bhajanotsavam Smt.Savitha Sriram Programme
Bairavan Ramji Playing Tabala wit Sri.Manikandan
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59NVRW91pbg
Kalpathy Avaniavittam 2010 vedeo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNtxZfvUHcI
Kalpathy Avaniavittam 2010 Photos LMG Temple
http://picasaweb.google.com/lmgkalpathy/KalpathyAvaniavittam2010Photos#
PALAKKAD BHAJANOTSAVAM 2010 PHOTOS
PLSE VISIT THE FOLLOWING PICASA WEB URL FOR PALAKKAD 2010 BHAJANOTSAVAM PHOTOS
http://picasaweb.google.com/lmgkalpathy/PalakkadBU20107810#
Kalpathy Suvasini Mandali Programme
KALPATHY BHAJANOTSAVAM-2009 PHOTOS
VISIT THE FOLLOWING PICASAWEB FOR KALPATHY BHAJANOTSAVAM-2009 PHOTOS,
10/8/09 PROGRAMME PHOTOS
http://picasaweb.google.com/gopalbrothers3/KalpathyBhajanotsavam2009Photos#
11/8/09 PHOTOS
http://picasaweb.google.com/gopalbrothers3/KalpathyBhajanotsavam2009GhanaparayanamPhotos#
11/8/09 ASHIRVADAM-VEDIO
http://picasaweb.google.com/gopalbrothers3/ASHIRVADAM#5368827635137527074
12/8/09 PROGRAMME PHOTOS
12/8/09 EVENING PROGRAMME PHOTOS
http://picasaweb.google.com/gopalbrothers3/BU12809EveningProgrammePhotos#
12/8/09 NIGHT CUDALOOR SRI.GOPI BHAGAVATHAR PROGRAMME PHOTOS
http://picasaweb.google.com/gopalbrothers3/CUDALOORGOPI12809ProgrammePhotos#
13/8/09 MORNING Ashtapathy by Thanjavoor Thyagaraja Bhagavathar & Party
http://picasaweb.google.com/gopalbrothers3/13809AshtapathiByThanjavoorThyagarajaBhagavatharProgramme?authkey=Gv1sRgCIqzpvyK1JaV-AE#
13/8/09 Evening Programme Sri.Babu & PartyMumbai,Sri.O.s.Sundar & Divyanamam Sri.Muthukrishna Bhagavatnar. Programme Photos
http://picasaweb.google.com/gopalbrothers3/BU13809EveningProgramme#
14/8/09 Complete Programmes Photos : Sri.S.Venkataramana bhagavathar Hyderabad, Miss.Bhavadhaarani, Chennai, Dr.R.Ganesh, Chennai,Melarkode Sisters,Palakkad &SriUdayaloor Sri.Kalyanaraman,Chennai
http://picasaweb.google.com/gopalbrothers3/14809KBUProgrammes#
15/8/09 Morning followig ProgrammePhotos
KumariBalasree.M.Bhuvana,Trivandrum. Melarkode Sri.Ravi. Sree Ramakrishna Bhajana Mandali, Bangalore
http://picasaweb.google.com/gopalbrothers3/15809ProgrammePhotos#
15/8/09 Kalpathy Bhajanotsavam Evening Programme Sri.Vinay Photos picasa web url.
http://picasaweb.google.com/gopalbrothers3/15809BUEveningProgramme#
15/8/09 Kalpathy Bhajanotsavam Night Programmes Photos
Sri.Manjapra Mohan and Sri.Srikanth, Chennai.
http://picasaweb.google.com/gopalbrothers3/BU15809NightProgrammes#
16/8/09 Sri.Kovai Jayaraman Seethakalyanam Photos
http://picasaweb.google.com/gopalbrothers3/BU16809SriKovaiJayaramanSeethakalyanam#
16/8/09 Vanchiyam Sri.Murali Programme
http://picasaweb.google.com/gopalbrothers3/16809VanchiyamSriMuraliProgramme#
16/8/09 Photos Vasanthotsavam and Anjaneyotsavam by Sri.AVK Rajasimha Bhagavathar.
http://picasaweb.google.com/gopalbrothers3/BU16809VasanthotsavamAndAnjaneyotsavamBySriAVKRajasimhaBhagavathar#
10/8/09 PROGRAMME PHOTOS
http://picasaweb.google.com/gopalbrothers3/KalpathyBhajanotsavam2009Photos#
11/8/09 PHOTOS
http://picasaweb.google.com/gopalbrothers3/KalpathyBhajanotsavam2009GhanaparayanamPhotos#
11/8/09 ASHIRVADAM-VEDIO
http://picasaweb.google.com/gopalbrothers3/ASHIRVADAM#5368827635137527074
12/8/09 PROGRAMME PHOTOS
12/8/09 EVENING PROGRAMME PHOTOS
http://picasaweb.google.com/gopalbrothers3/BU12809EveningProgrammePhotos#
12/8/09 NIGHT CUDALOOR SRI.GOPI BHAGAVATHAR PROGRAMME PHOTOS
http://picasaweb.google.com/gopalbrothers3/CUDALOORGOPI12809ProgrammePhotos#
13/8/09 MORNING Ashtapathy by Thanjavoor Thyagaraja Bhagavathar & Party
http://picasaweb.google.com/gopalbrothers3/13809AshtapathiByThanjavoorThyagarajaBhagavatharProgramme?authkey=Gv1sRgCIqzpvyK1JaV-AE#
13/8/09 Evening Programme Sri.Babu & PartyMumbai,Sri.O.s.Sundar & Divyanamam Sri.Muthukrishna Bhagavatnar. Programme Photos
http://picasaweb.google.com/gopalbrothers3/BU13809EveningProgramme#
14/8/09 Complete Programmes Photos : Sri.S.Venkataramana bhagavathar Hyderabad, Miss.Bhavadhaarani, Chennai, Dr.R.Ganesh, Chennai,Melarkode Sisters,Palakkad &SriUdayaloor Sri.Kalyanaraman,Chennai
http://picasaweb.google.com/gopalbrothers3/14809KBUProgrammes#
15/8/09 Morning followig ProgrammePhotos
KumariBalasree.M.Bhuvana,Trivandrum. Melarkode Sri.Ravi. Sree Ramakrishna Bhajana Mandali, Bangalore
http://picasaweb.google.com/gopalbrothers3/15809ProgrammePhotos#
15/8/09 Kalpathy Bhajanotsavam Evening Programme Sri.Vinay Photos picasa web url.
http://picasaweb.google.com/gopalbrothers3/15809BUEveningProgramme#
15/8/09 Kalpathy Bhajanotsavam Night Programmes Photos
Sri.Manjapra Mohan and Sri.Srikanth, Chennai.
http://picasaweb.google.com/gopalbrothers3/BU15809NightProgrammes#
16/8/09 Sri.Kovai Jayaraman Seethakalyanam Photos
http://picasaweb.google.com/gopalbrothers3/BU16809SriKovaiJayaramanSeethakalyanam#
16/8/09 Vanchiyam Sri.Murali Programme
http://picasaweb.google.com/gopalbrothers3/16809VanchiyamSriMuraliProgramme#
16/8/09 Photos Vasanthotsavam and Anjaneyotsavam by Sri.AVK Rajasimha Bhagavathar.
http://picasaweb.google.com/gopalbrothers3/BU16809VasanthotsavamAndAnjaneyotsavamBySriAVKRajasimhaBhagavathar#
L.N.Puram Village, Palakkad.
December 5th to 13th 2009
Srimad Bhagavata Saptaham by
Brahmasri Nochur Venkataraman
for Details
Please visit our L N Puram Village
Web site
www.lnpuram.blogspot.com
Srimad Bhagavata Saptaham by
Brahmasri Nochur Venkataraman
for Details
Please visit our L N Puram Village
Web site
www.lnpuram.blogspot.com
KALPATHY BHAJANOTSAVAM 2008 PHOTOS.
Please Click the following web for Kalpathy Bhajanotsavam-2008 Photos http://picasaweb.google.com/bhajanotsavam
Thank you.
Thank you.
KALPATHY RATHOLSAVAM 2007 PHOTOS
OTHER EVENTS KALPATHY 2007 BHAJANOTSAVAM PHOTOS
COIMBATORE BHAJANOTSAVAM
OTHER EVENT INFORMATION
Sri Naamasankeerthanaa Trust
Ramnagar, Coimbatore
Welcome to This year Bhajanothsavam Festival 2008 will take place at Sri Ayyappan Puja Sangam, Ramnagar, Coimbatore, from 30.07.2008 to 03.08.2008.With the support of Bhagavathaas and donors, necessary arrangement are being made for the celebration of Bhajanothsavam Festival 2008. As in the previous years. Please visit our web site: http://www.namasankeerthana.com/ for programme details. All are requested to participate and make the event a memorable one.
BANGALORE BHAJANOTSAVAM -2008-PROGRAMMES
Please visit Bangalore Bhajanotsavam-2008 Web: http://www.pandurangasamaj.blogspot.com/ . All are requested to make it convinient to be present for all the programmes.
Radhekrishna
Radhekrishna
Govinda Nama Sangeerthanam
Govinda Nama Sangeerthanam
Bhagawan Nama Bhodendra Swamigal
As the sun dawned on the eastern horizon, Kesava stepped out of his home and walked towards the Kanchi Mutt. Visiting the Mutt, worshiping the shrine of Adi Sankara and other deities and offering obeisance to the Acharya, Sri Athmabodendra Saraswathi formed parts of the daily routine of Kesava. It was like any other day but with a small difference. This day, he was bringing his young son also along, to seek the blessings of Swamigal. While walking, holding the young boy's hand, Kesava pondered what his son would become in future. That was sometime in the year 1627.
"He is my son, Purushothaman" said Kesava introducing him to the Kanchi Acharya. Acharya Swamigal looked at the young son for a while and then asked the father: "What are you going to contribute for the Mutt"? "Whatever that you wish and command" replied Kesava with all reverence. "Well" said Swamigal, pointing at his son "then, give him to the Mutt". Coming from the Acharya of a venerable Institution like Sankara Mutt, the order, however unpleasant it may be, had to be obeyed and Kesava agreed. The young Purushotham joined the Mutt, received the formal initiation to sainthood (Diksha) and ascended the Peetam in 1638 as Bhodendra Saraswathi Swamigal. It was Bhagawan Nama Bhodendra Swamigal, the 58th Achaarya of Kanchi Mutt who pioneered the Nama Sangeerthanam movement.
The spiritual fulfillment was sought in many ways in different ages. While the path of meditation was prescribed for Krita Yuga, the way of sacrifice was advocated for Treta Yuga and the emphasis was on service in Dvapara Yuga. As the Kali Yuga approached, Narada sought the advice of Lord Krishna. Having visualized the plight of the people in Kali Yuga, Lord Krishna advocated an easy path for them. He said: "He who seeks Me through the simple means of Nama Sangeerthanam would easily reach Me". Thus, Nama Sangeerthanam has been recognized as the effective way of reaching the Lord in the age of Kali Yuga. The Lord had said: "I do not live in Vaikunta or in the heart of saints or among Gopikas. I live in the heart of devotees who sing my glories"
"Na Aham Vasaami Vaikunte, Na Yogi Hridaye Ravou Mat Bhakta Yatra Gayanti Tatra Thishtaami, Narada!"
When Narada queried as to how to lead the people towards this belief and how to make them convince, the Lord said, He Himself would incarnate, over the period, as a seer, as a saint or as a singer to highlight the value of Nama Sangeerthanam. Over the ages, the Lord Himself descended to Bharatha Varsha, manifesting himself as Vyasa, Sukha and as other sages, kindled the light of devotion and guided humanity to the righteous path. Sri Adi Sankara expressed devotion through Bhaja Govindam. Arunagirinathar hailed the glory of Muruga through Thiruppugazh. The Musical Trinity, Saint Thyagaraja, Muthuswamy Deekshithar and Shyama Sastrigal showed us the way to God through music. There were legends like Jayadevar, Chaitanya, Annamacharya, Thukkaram, Ramadas, Purandaradasar, and Narayana Theertha, to mention a few, who highlighted the value of devotion through Keerthans. The life of each of them was a saga of devotion and dedication.
It was the boy who, one fine morning, walked his way to the Kanchi Mutt and later became its head as Sri Bhodendra Swaraswathy Swamigal who revived Nama Sangeerthanam tradition in South. Even while performing duties as the Sankaracharya of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam, Sri Bhodendra Saraswathi Swamigal used to visit different holy places. Sitting on the banks of river Kaveri, he would start meditating, sing the glory of the God and then prompt others to join him. He believed that one who chants Rama Nama or sing His glory would find fulfillment in life. In his immortal works, Rama Karnamrutham and Naamamrutha Rasaayanam he stressed the importance of chanting Rama Nama. He said, while performing different duties assigned to each, one should seek God, with heart full of devotion, by singing (Keerthana), reciting (Japa) hearing (Sravana) and meditating (Smarana).
A contemporary of Bhodendra Swamigal, Sri Sreedhara Ayyaval, was another great exponent of Nama Sangeerthanam. Born to Lingaraya at Mysore, Sreedhara Ayyaval spurned the offer of Ministership and went on an extensive pilgrimage. He found Tiruvisainallur, located on the banks of river, Kaveri, as the ideal place to pursue his spiritual mission. He became an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva and acquired mastery over Vedic texts and composed many scholarly works like Padamani Manjari, Navaratnamalika, Dayasathakam, Achuthashtakam, Ramamrutha Rasayanam, Stuthi Padhathi etc. Hearing his great works and the great miracles happening in his life, Sri Bhodendra Saraswathi Swamigal came in contact with Ayyaval and it became a lifelong association between them.
While the revered Acharya sowed the seeds of Nama Sangeerthanam tradition and Sri Ayyaval nourished it, Sri Maruthanallur Sadguru Swamigal (1977-1817) helped it to grow further. Venkatarama Desikan, who later came to be known as Sadguru Swamigal, was born in Thiruvidaimaruthur in Thanjavur District in 18th centuary. It is believed that while performing Pradakshina, Sadguru Swamigal happened to discover a rare book titled Nama Koumudhi which turned out to be a source of immense inspiration for him. He turned the river Kavery to a northern direction to build a memorial for his master, Bhodendra Swamigal. Sadguru Swamigal brought about an orderly system of Bhajan rendering, known as Sampradaya or Padhadi Bhajan. The elaborate Bhajan Sambradhaya devised by him is divided into three major categories like Thodaya Mangalam followed by Guru and Dasar Keerthanas, Divya Nama Sangeerthanam, Gopika Geetham and Dololthsavam each part containing slokas, songs and Namavalis and concluded with Mangala Aarathi. An elaborate Padhathi (method) has also been composed for Kalyanothsavam. Just as the Musical Trinity, a Nama Sangeerthanam Trinity has also come into being with Bhodendra Saraswathi Swamigal, Sreedhara Ayyaval and Sadguru Swamigal. There were many others, like Gjnananda Swamigal, Pudukottai Gopalakrishna Bhagavathar, Swami Haridas Giri etc. All of them left an indelible message in the minds of the people that Nama Sangeerthanam is the sure and easy way to God realization and salvation.
They were God-incarnates. Most of them, saints, musicians and composers who helped to nurture the tradition of Nama Sangeerthanam were born and grew up around Kaveri belt. It would seem that the waves of Kaveri produce the eternal notes of Thala in rhythm or sometime they sound like the music of Nama Sangeerthanam. The river Kaveri has come to symbolize the hoary tradition of Nama Sangeerthan. As the season of Bhajanothsavam dawns, the whole land would be immersed in the serenity of music. Kaveri, on whose surroundings the tradition of Nama Sangeerthanam flourished, would then flow through all over South India.
According to Ajamila Charitra in Srimad Bhagavatam, the practice of chanting the Divine Names would uproot all inherent Vasanas, carried over from previous lives, cleanse our mind and take us to the right path. The mind that is pure and free from all negative thoughts would then be able to concentrate on Krishna, the divine Power. The supreme Good that one is able to realize through meditation can now be easily achieved through the means of Nama Sangeerthana.
"Kalau Kalmasha chittaanaam Paapa Dravyopajeevinaam Vidhi Kriya viheenaanaam gathir Govinda keertanam"
The scriptures say that the practice of Nama Sangeerthanam would liberate us from past karmas (consequences arising out of past actions) and help us to attain spiritual fulfillment There is a misconception that the people of Kali Yuga are unfortunate because at this age only we witness a general decline in religious and moral values. The Vishnu Purana refutes this belief and says that the people of Kali Yuga are fortunate because they can achieve God Realization (Ishwara Sakshathkaram) through simple means of Nama Sangeerthanam whereas devotees of bygone ages had to undergo extreme hardship and struggle to attain the same end.
Unlike other paths, the concept of Nama Sangeerthanam does not stipulate any conditions or regulations. It neither requires in depth knowledge of scriptures nor binds one to rigid practices of meditation or penance. The path of Nama Sangeerthanam is simple. It calls for just chanting of Bhagawan Nama by means of rendering or hearing (Sravanam and Keerthanam). Anyone can render Namasangeerthanam, anytime and from anywhere. It is a simple way by which one could attain God realization (Iswara Sakshathkaram), the goal many saints and seers achieved through extreme struggle, sacrifice and penance in the past.
It is a rejuvenating sign that the spirit of devotion is progressively expressed through Bhajan and the concept of Bhajanothsavam is catching up at many places. Every village like Pushpagiri in Thrissur or Kalpathi in Palakkad used to celebrate a temple festival in a year. Now Bhajanothsavam has come to be accepted as the second grand festival and residents who have migrated to other places make it a point to visit their home town during this period.
We have a galaxy of luminaries like Sri O.S. Sundar, Sri Udayaloor Kalyanaraman, Kovai Sri Jayaraman, Erode Sri Rajamani, Abhang Vidwan, Ganapathi Maharaj, Senkottai Sri Hari etc. There are many such stars who are equally skilled and devotional and who uphold the Namasangeerthanam tradition with great zeal and enthusiasm. May such stars appear more and lead us to the path of devotion.
May the spirit of devotion find its expression through Nama Sangeerthanam at many more places. May the melodies of Nama Sangeerthanam reverberate all over. Soon, the sweet sounds of Bhajan would reach the ears of Krishna and he would descend and be one among us.
NAMASANGEERTHANAM
NAMASANGEERTHANAM
In the Kaliyuga Namasangeerthanam is the easy way of getting Blessings of God. Anybody at any time at any stage and on any condition Bhagavan nama can be uttered. God's presence can be felt wherever Namasangeerthanam is being held. Once Lord Vishnu said to Saint Naradha, that He is residing in the hearts of Bhagavathars and Namasangeertham singing devotees and no need to search for him in the Vaikunda lokam. (“Naagam Vasami Vaikunte.nayogi hrudhaye revowMadhbhaktha yathra gayanthi thathra thishtami Naradha"). Such is the power of Namasamkeerthanam. .In order to keep the persons involved in the Bhakthi, the Holy names of God are compiled in musical forms known as Bhajans. This consist of Keerthanai and Namaavalis. Once we get interest in Bhajans, I am sure you will be spiritually addicted to get involved such Bhajan programs, wherever held. For singing the bhajans in line with the singing of main Bhagavarhars, doesn't need specialised training in Carnatic music. Good knowledge of Carnatic music will be an added advantage because it will be pleasing to the ears of the listeners. Here the main requirement and critieria is ordained Bhakthi. We are so much indebted to great Mahans who gave the Bhajan Sampradhaya to us as a great treasure. Sri Sadhguru Swamigal travelled throughout India many years back by walk and collected the songs sung by various saints in their local languages and compiled it as Dakshina Bhajan Sampradhaya in a sequnetial manner. He made it in an orderly form namely Dhyana slokam, Thodaha (conventionally known as thodaya) mangalam, Guru Keethanais, Jayadeva Ashtapathis, Krishna Leela Tharangam, Keerthanis (of Bhadrachala Ramadasar, Purandara Dasar, khabir Dasar,Kanaka Dasar,Saint Thyagaraja Swamigal, Meerabai and of other Saints). Also Abhangs sung by Sri Thukaram swamigal, Gnanadev, Namdev, Gorakumbar, Shokamela and other in praise of Sri Pandarpur Vittal also form part of Bhajan sampradhaya Padyathi. Guru Keethanais includes songs on Sri Dakshinamurthry, Sri Marudhanallur Sadhguru Swamigal, Saint Sri Gnananandhar, Sri Bhodendra Swamigal, Sri.Sridhara Ayyaval, Sri Ragavendrar, Kanchi Maha Periaval and many more Saints who lived in recent times also will be considered for singing as a traditional practice. We can find songs of Tamil, Sanskrit, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi, Marathi in the Sampradhaya bhajans. Songs specific to Malayalam language is not found in the Bhajan padhyadi, probably this is taken care by Tamil, Sanskrit etc language due to its relevance and similarity. Singing Bhajans in any language is an acceptable form , as long as it is sung with Devotion and Bhakthi. It is more than a National Integration, bringing people together in Harmony in a Bhajan program amidst of spiritual vibration.
Divyanama Bhajans, Dolotsavam, Deepa Pradashinam functions are performed as part of Bhajan Sampradhaya Padhyathi. This has got more attractions towards the Bhajan functions. On these functions, there are selected songs with specific Raagas (tunes) which fascinate and attract towards the spiritual nectar. While listening to these songs and take part in the Divine dance (Deepa pradhakshinam) I am sure, we will forget ourselves and get involved in the world of Bhkthi music. Nothing can be explained through words. One has to experience it and rest will be the history. Kalyanam function for Radha, Seetha, Rukmini, Meenakshi, Srinivasa, are conducted similar to our marriage rituals.This is nothing but the joining of Jeevathma-Paramathm a. We are all Jeevathma and God is Paramathma. We feel happy when we celebrate marriage of Deities in a sympolic way.
We must thank Pudukkottai Sri Gopalakrishna Bhagavathar, his son Sri Sanjeevi Bhagavathar, Sri. Pithukkuli Murugadas, Sri. Haridhosgiri, Sri. Namaji, Sri. Thukaram Ganapathi, Sri. Muralidhara Swamigal, Sri Udayalur Kalyanaraman, Sri. Kovai Jayaram, Sri. Jayakrishna Dikshithar, Sri O.S.Sundar, Erode Sri. Rajamani, Sri.Srivanjiyam Murali,Tanjovoor Thyagu, Bombay P.S.Murthy, Bombay Sri.Ganesh Kumar, Shencottai Hari, and many more bhagavathars who are promoting Namasangeerthanam in all the possible ways.(If I miss mentioning any Bhagavathar' s name by oversight, please forgive me). Though Sri.Gopalakrishna Bhagavathar, Sri Sanjeevi Bhagavathar and Sri.Haridhosgiri are nolonger with us, their Blessings are still in the hearts of all the Namasangeethana devottees.Many more younger generation have also come up now to take the lead for Namasangeerthana Bhajan and keeping this valuable traditions. For few this is the main source of bread and butter. It is our responsibility and main duty to encourage them with all the possible help. If you happen to notice, the way the above Bhagavathars sing, it is amazing. They sing continously more than 24 horus without any rest, during Divyanamam, Kalyana functions.It is a sheer proof of Divine Bliss. It is a welcome sign that all over India and abroad, Bhagavatha namasangeerthana mela is conducted. Name a few are, Palghat, Trivandrum, Pandarpur,Trichur, Bangalore, Chennai, Hydrabad, Bombay, Aalangudi etc etc places.
There are many Asthikas who are putting more efforts in promoting Namsangeertham. But they are silently working very hard without expecting publicity or name or for any monetary gains. One of them is Sri. C.S.Subramanian (Murali), the son of Sri (late)Chithoor Dr.Shesahdri, who has dedicated his life for Namsangeerthanam apart from his medical profession. Sri. Murali is organising weekly bhajans in Chennai for many years and maintaining website, called Sampradhayabhajana. com, exclusively for Namasankeerthanam. All the bhajan lyrics are available with its raga and other details. Being Computer Engineer by profession, his dedicated,service towards the Namasangeerthanam pracharam is something marvellous.
Let us express our Pranams to All who are associated with Good cause of Namasangeethana pracharam, saying "Enthaoro Mahanubhavu, ,,,,,,."
Sri.Krishna Premi anna,
Brahmasri Hariji,
Sri.Rangasubramania Bhagavathar,
Sri.Subrama Bhagavathar &
Sri Gopala Bhagavathar,
Sri.Muthukrishna Bhagavathar-Mayiladuthurai,
Sri.Jayatheertha Bhavathar-Villupuram,
Udayalur Sri.Balarama Bhagavathar,
Smt.Meenakshimahadevan,
Mumbai Sri.Anand &
Sri.Murthy Bhagavathar,
Chennai Sri.Ramanan Bhagavathar,
Sri.Rajasimha Bhagavathar,
Sri.Viji & Sri.Balaji Bhagavathar,
Papanasam Sri.Ramani Bhagavathar,
Mumbai Sri.Hari Bhagavathar,
Smt.Kalyani Mami,
Sri.Sanjay Nadkarni-Mumbai,
Kadayanallur Sri.Rajagopala Bhagavathar,
Cuddalore Sri.Gopi Bhagavathar,
Sri.Venkitarama Bhagavathar-Hydrabad,
Trivandrum Sri.Shankara Bhagavathar,
Tripunathurai Sri.Ramachandra Bhagavathar,
Sethalapathy Sri.Soundararaja Bhagavathar,
Kanpur Sri.Mahadeva Bhagavathar-Chennai,
Srivanchiam Sri Murali Bhagavathar
Kadanallur Sri.Thukaram Ganapathy
Courtesy ;- B.Ganesan (Ganesh), Abudhabi
In the Kaliyuga Namasangeerthanam is the easy way of getting Blessings of God. Anybody at any time at any stage and on any condition Bhagavan nama can be uttered. God's presence can be felt wherever Namasangeerthanam is being held. Once Lord Vishnu said to Saint Naradha, that He is residing in the hearts of Bhagavathars and Namasangeertham singing devotees and no need to search for him in the Vaikunda lokam. (“Naagam Vasami Vaikunte.nayogi hrudhaye revowMadhbhaktha yathra gayanthi thathra thishtami Naradha"). Such is the power of Namasamkeerthanam. .In order to keep the persons involved in the Bhakthi, the Holy names of God are compiled in musical forms known as Bhajans. This consist of Keerthanai and Namaavalis. Once we get interest in Bhajans, I am sure you will be spiritually addicted to get involved such Bhajan programs, wherever held. For singing the bhajans in line with the singing of main Bhagavarhars, doesn't need specialised training in Carnatic music. Good knowledge of Carnatic music will be an added advantage because it will be pleasing to the ears of the listeners. Here the main requirement and critieria is ordained Bhakthi. We are so much indebted to great Mahans who gave the Bhajan Sampradhaya to us as a great treasure. Sri Sadhguru Swamigal travelled throughout India many years back by walk and collected the songs sung by various saints in their local languages and compiled it as Dakshina Bhajan Sampradhaya in a sequnetial manner. He made it in an orderly form namely Dhyana slokam, Thodaha (conventionally known as thodaya) mangalam, Guru Keethanais, Jayadeva Ashtapathis, Krishna Leela Tharangam, Keerthanis (of Bhadrachala Ramadasar, Purandara Dasar, khabir Dasar,Kanaka Dasar,Saint Thyagaraja Swamigal, Meerabai and of other Saints). Also Abhangs sung by Sri Thukaram swamigal, Gnanadev, Namdev, Gorakumbar, Shokamela and other in praise of Sri Pandarpur Vittal also form part of Bhajan sampradhaya Padyathi. Guru Keethanais includes songs on Sri Dakshinamurthry, Sri Marudhanallur Sadhguru Swamigal, Saint Sri Gnananandhar, Sri Bhodendra Swamigal, Sri.Sridhara Ayyaval, Sri Ragavendrar, Kanchi Maha Periaval and many more Saints who lived in recent times also will be considered for singing as a traditional practice. We can find songs of Tamil, Sanskrit, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi, Marathi in the Sampradhaya bhajans. Songs specific to Malayalam language is not found in the Bhajan padhyadi, probably this is taken care by Tamil, Sanskrit etc language due to its relevance and similarity. Singing Bhajans in any language is an acceptable form , as long as it is sung with Devotion and Bhakthi. It is more than a National Integration, bringing people together in Harmony in a Bhajan program amidst of spiritual vibration.
Divyanama Bhajans, Dolotsavam, Deepa Pradashinam functions are performed as part of Bhajan Sampradhaya Padhyathi. This has got more attractions towards the Bhajan functions. On these functions, there are selected songs with specific Raagas (tunes) which fascinate and attract towards the spiritual nectar. While listening to these songs and take part in the Divine dance (Deepa pradhakshinam) I am sure, we will forget ourselves and get involved in the world of Bhkthi music. Nothing can be explained through words. One has to experience it and rest will be the history. Kalyanam function for Radha, Seetha, Rukmini, Meenakshi, Srinivasa, are conducted similar to our marriage rituals.This is nothing but the joining of Jeevathma-Paramathm a. We are all Jeevathma and God is Paramathma. We feel happy when we celebrate marriage of Deities in a sympolic way.
We must thank Pudukkottai Sri Gopalakrishna Bhagavathar, his son Sri Sanjeevi Bhagavathar, Sri. Pithukkuli Murugadas, Sri. Haridhosgiri, Sri. Namaji, Sri. Thukaram Ganapathi, Sri. Muralidhara Swamigal, Sri Udayalur Kalyanaraman, Sri. Kovai Jayaram, Sri. Jayakrishna Dikshithar, Sri O.S.Sundar, Erode Sri. Rajamani, Sri.Srivanjiyam Murali,Tanjovoor Thyagu, Bombay P.S.Murthy, Bombay Sri.Ganesh Kumar, Shencottai Hari, and many more bhagavathars who are promoting Namasangeerthanam in all the possible ways.(If I miss mentioning any Bhagavathar' s name by oversight, please forgive me). Though Sri.Gopalakrishna Bhagavathar, Sri Sanjeevi Bhagavathar and Sri.Haridhosgiri are nolonger with us, their Blessings are still in the hearts of all the Namasangeethana devottees.Many more younger generation have also come up now to take the lead for Namasangeerthana Bhajan and keeping this valuable traditions. For few this is the main source of bread and butter. It is our responsibility and main duty to encourage them with all the possible help. If you happen to notice, the way the above Bhagavathars sing, it is amazing. They sing continously more than 24 horus without any rest, during Divyanamam, Kalyana functions.It is a sheer proof of Divine Bliss. It is a welcome sign that all over India and abroad, Bhagavatha namasangeerthana mela is conducted. Name a few are, Palghat, Trivandrum, Pandarpur,Trichur, Bangalore, Chennai, Hydrabad, Bombay, Aalangudi etc etc places.
There are many Asthikas who are putting more efforts in promoting Namsangeertham. But they are silently working very hard without expecting publicity or name or for any monetary gains. One of them is Sri. C.S.Subramanian (Murali), the son of Sri (late)Chithoor Dr.Shesahdri, who has dedicated his life for Namsangeerthanam apart from his medical profession. Sri. Murali is organising weekly bhajans in Chennai for many years and maintaining website, called Sampradhayabhajana. com, exclusively for Namasankeerthanam. All the bhajan lyrics are available with its raga and other details. Being Computer Engineer by profession, his dedicated,service towards the Namasangeerthanam pracharam is something marvellous.
Let us express our Pranams to All who are associated with Good cause of Namasangeethana pracharam, saying "Enthaoro Mahanubhavu, ,,,,,,."
Sri.Krishna Premi anna,
Brahmasri Hariji,
Sri.Rangasubramania Bhagavathar,
Sri.Subrama Bhagavathar &
Sri Gopala Bhagavathar,
Sri.Muthukrishna Bhagavathar-Mayiladuthurai,
Sri.Jayatheertha Bhavathar-Villupuram,
Udayalur Sri.Balarama Bhagavathar,
Smt.Meenakshimahadevan,
Mumbai Sri.Anand &
Sri.Murthy Bhagavathar,
Chennai Sri.Ramanan Bhagavathar,
Sri.Rajasimha Bhagavathar,
Sri.Viji & Sri.Balaji Bhagavathar,
Papanasam Sri.Ramani Bhagavathar,
Mumbai Sri.Hari Bhagavathar,
Smt.Kalyani Mami,
Sri.Sanjay Nadkarni-Mumbai,
Kadayanallur Sri.Rajagopala Bhagavathar,
Cuddalore Sri.Gopi Bhagavathar,
Sri.Venkitarama Bhagavathar-Hydrabad,
Trivandrum Sri.Shankara Bhagavathar,
Tripunathurai Sri.Ramachandra Bhagavathar,
Sethalapathy Sri.Soundararaja Bhagavathar,
Kanpur Sri.Mahadeva Bhagavathar-Chennai,
Srivanchiam Sri Murali Bhagavathar
Kadanallur Sri.Thukaram Ganapathy
Courtesy ;- B.Ganesan (Ganesh), Abudhabi
3 comments:
Very nice! Thanks for posting the pics on the Web! Raghu-Bangalore.
The photos are all good. few more videos are welcome. esp the prog by the suvasini mandala kalpathy was nice.
Thanks for posting the pictures, quickly,
Felt the event presence!
Great Job!
Suryam
Sharjah
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