philosoraptor's rAgam spotlight: naLinakAnti

[philosoraptor]

Pranams.

Some people say one should save the best for last. Unfortunately, those people do not understand the philosoraptor, who organized the > 20 GB of classical Indian music in his iTunes library according to composer, rAgam, artist, etc precisely so he can go straight to the most delicious compositions whenever he wants.

rAgam naLinakAnti, which is a janya rAgam of the 27th melakarta rAgam sarasAngi, is really only known for one song. This is "manavi nALagincha" by the poet-devotee Sri Thyaagaraaja. In instrumental form, this is a popular song to to play at traditional South Indian weddings. However, the lyrics, which are devoted exclusively to Lord Raama, are what make it especially sweet. If you can hear poet Thyaagaraaja's prayers set to this beautiful rAgam and fail to be moved, then there is probably something wrong with you. In that case, the philosoraptor recommends listening to the song over and over again continuously until devotion to Lord Raama springs forth from your heart.

There are many renditions of this song, and while all of them are sweet, the philosoraptor is partial to the renditions done by Smt. Sudha Raghunathan, Prince Raja Ravi Varma, and Sri Vidyabhushana. Sadly, none are available online. The rendition by Sudha Raghunathan is available on her "Nine Gems of Thyagaraja" CD, and no classical music collection is complete without it. In the meantime, please enjoy these renditions:

K.V. Narayanaswamy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHH7Eui6UA4

Yesudas: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVgA-RnHdds

Chittibabu (instrumental - veena): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2XW9EXzQBA

(instrumental - violin): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zAK...FtB7u7Z6oBHWzQ

The lyrics and translation from Karnatic.com follow:

maanavi naalaginca (manavyaaLa)
raagam: naLinakaanti

27 sarasaangi janya
Aa: S G3 R2 M1 P N3 S
Av: S N3 P M1 G3 R2 S

taaLam: dEshaadi
Composer: Tyaagaraaja
Language: Telugu

pallavi

manavi nAlaginca rAdaTE marmamella delpedanE manasA

anupallavi

ghanuDaina rAmacandruni karuNAnta rangamu delisina nA

caraNam

karmakANDa mata krSTulai bhava gahana cArulai gAsi jendagA
gani mAnavA vAtAruDai kanipinci nADE nadaTa tyAgarAju


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Meaning:
Oh Mind! Why can't you listen to the request of one like myself who has known the noble Raamacandra's (Lord Rama's) compassionate heart? I shall tell you the whole secret.

There was a time when men guided by selfishness and avarice began to indulge in VEDIC sacrifices and rituals (karmakaanda). They were entangled inextricably in the cycle of birth and death. It was then that SHREE RAAMA condescended to incarnate as a human being with a view to demonstrate how one should conduct oneself in the path of righteousness leading to salvation.

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[philosoraptor]

I forget to mention - to appreciate how sweet the rAgam is, just listen to the renditions where the artist sings an extensive AlApana prior to starting the krithi. It's like drinking nectar through your ears. Warning: The philosoraptor does not recommend literally pouring nectar in the ear as this can cause ear damage. However, in the case of rAgam naLinakAnti, you will be safe.