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Noble Personages

From the Bhakti List Archives

RANGASWAMY • July 24, 1997 


Dear Friends,

I was very pleased to see Sri Anbil Ramaswamy's post on noble personages. 
His note on P.B. Annangarachariar reminded me of the Venkateshwara 
Suprabatham composition. The aspects of Suprabatham, Nama Sankeertanam, 
Prapatti and Mangalam have been brought out with consummate effect in this 
work pregnant with meaning and simple to understand. The line Meena KrutE.. 
of the Suprabatham deals with the Dashavataram. The choice of expression 
for each line of the Suprabatham sends one into raptures of appreciation. 

The majestic rendition of the Suprabatham at Tirupati early in the 
morning makes for a sonorous setting to the Tomalai Seva which follows. 
The Suprabatham line of particular significance is 
"AjnAninA Maya DoshAn AsheshAn Vihitan HarE I 
Kshamasvatvam Kshamasvatvam Sheshashaila ShikhamaNE II". In this line, 
Sri P.B. Anna begs the Lord for forgiveness for all sins committed knowingly or 
unknowlingly. The sentiment expressed here is very similar to the message 
of Sri Annamacharya in the Krithi "Neepada Kamalamu Ninne Vachina Nammi", 
addressed to Alamelu Manga Thayar. Sri Annamacharya was initiated as a 
Sri Vaishnava at a relatively early age by Sri Adivan Sadagopa Yatindra 
Mahadesikan, the founding Jeeyar of Ahobila Matham.  Upon initiation, Sri 
Annamacharya made a promise to the Jeeyar that he would compose 
one Krithi in praise of Lord Srinivasa each day of his life. This Vageyyakara 
lived until he was nearly 95 years old, during the course of which he 
delivered almost 20,000 Krithis in praise of the Lord. 

In the above mentioned Krithi set to Revati Ragam, Annamacharya eulogizes 
Alamelu Manga Thayar, the consort of Lord Srinivasa, in glowing terms and 
carries on a beautiful conversation with Thayar. The following is 
a loose translation of this Krithi. I seek forgiveness for all errors,  
particularly from those members of the list who are knowledgable about 
Sangeetam. I am reproducing the text and the translation entirely from memory. 

Neepada Kamalamu Ninne Vachina Nammi Niratamu Rakshinchu Alamelu Manga I
NA Paali Daivamu Govinda Daivini VaNicharaNintini Alamelu Manga II

Here, Annamacharya appeals to the Alamelumanga Thayar to protect 
him, who has come to her, seeking refuge at her Lotus feet. 

Mangapuramunaku Mahima Vachina Thalli Na Sankatamu Theerchi Rakshimpavamma I
DharaNilo Neevanti Daivamu Ledani Telisayunaanamma Alamelumanga II

You who brought glory to Alamelumangapuram! Please come to my succour and 
protect me after ridding me of my suffering! I am aware that there is no other 
deity like you, Alamelumanga, on this earth!

Palumaru Pilisithini Palinthu Manineeku Paritapamu Ledu Alamelu Manga I
Telisi Teliyaganedu Chesina Tappu Manichavalamma Alamelumanga II

Here, the Vageyyakara begs to be forgiven for all sins committed knowingly or 
unknowingly and seeks the grace of Thayar. 

Manni JagamulO Talli Garbhamuledu MaraNa PadaluikanE TaLanamma I
Napaara Manneeyu Neepadamula Petti Namaskarinchitinamma Alamelumanga II

In this line, Annamacharya continues by imploring to Thayar to remain by 
his side until his last moment and salutes her by placing everything 
belonging to him at her feet.

Nee Divya Namamu Nitya Japamu Seyya Niyamamu Ledamma Alamelumanga I
Nee Nama Dhyaname Na Hrudaya Mantuni Niluvalanamma Alamelumanga II

There are no rules for engaging in constant recitation of your name, 
Alamelumanga! Contemplation of your name alone brings joy and solace to my 
heart!

Yedu Kondalapati Venkateshwaruluni Cheppata Chesina TapamemO Na Thalli I
Gamaniya Mainani Soundaryamuna Choosi Tapamemi Chesannu Alamelumanga II

My mother! What great penance did Lord Venkateshwara of Seven Hills perform 
in secrecy (to win your hand)? After beholding your beautiful form what more 
penance do I need to perform (to beget your grace)?

Revati is most appropriately chosen by the Vageyyakara for this intimate 
conversation with Thayar, because it is the language of Vedic speech. 
References to Revati can be found in the Rg, Yajus and Sama Vedam. Rendition 
of Raivata Saman from the Sama Vedam is a majestic chant to hear. Revati is 
sacred for Sri Vaishnavas since Panguni Revati is the Tirunakshatram of 
Lord Ranganatha. From a musical standpoint, the elegance of Revati lies in
the Nishadam.

Revati Samhavan Tiruvadigale SharaNam,

Muralidhar Rangaswamy