Nurani Sastha Preethi songs

Wednesday, January 8, 2020

Saturday, August 10, 2019

The celebration of Karandhar Palayam sasthaa Preethi

Viswanathan Sundar

Translated by

P.R.Ramachander

(The original Tamizh write up can be seen in https://www.facebook.com/vu2rum/posts/558061387941943 )

Kallidai kurichi which is in THirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu on the shores of Thamra barni river has one more name “Karanthayar Palayam”

The Kula deivam(clan God) of all the people living in this town is God “Sri sastha”

Not only this place but to many places to the south of Madurai like Thirunelveli, Thoothukudi , Amba samudaram, Kallidai kurichi, Aamboor , azhvarkurichi, Renga samudram , Brahma desam , Adaichani , Pallakkal , Ravana samudhram , Kadayam , Then Kasi , Sengottai , Kuththalam , Surandai , Sundra pandiyapuram , Kadaya nallor, Raja palayam , Sri Villiputhoor, Vathiraippu and to many places near them, the kula deivam of people would be mostly “sri sastha”

The God could be called Sastha, ayyanaar , Bhoothanadhar, Kalyana Varadhan, Harihara Puthiran, and Muthayyan and all these names indicate The God Adhi Bhoothanadha who with his queens Poona and Pushkala is in Ponnambala medu.

Most of the children of families who have Sastha as Kula deivam are named as Hariharan, Bhothathaan , Chadayappan , Kalyanam , aaryaa , Ayyappan, Mani Kandan, Ayya mani, Kulathu mani for males and Prabha, Poornaa , Pushkalaa , Poornapushkala, Harini , Haripriya, Rajeswari, Ponnamma and ponni for girls. We can mostly identify their native places by their names.

Once upon a time a Brahmin called Vijayan, who had great devotion to Lord Sastha was living in Karanthayar palayam. Lord Sastha wanted to show his liking to these couple for their great devotion to him .So he came in search of them in the form of a young boy. They took him inside their home. That boy was wet because he had walked in rain. With a new towel they dried him. Then the boy addressed the wife of Vijayan and told, “Mother , I am very hungry. This is mid night and it is raining . Where shall I get food at this time? If you give me some thing to eat it would be great.”

They Told her Boy,, “As of now we only have a Gruel(kooz) made of Millet(kambu) .Can you take it and slightly get satiated of your hunger?”

The Boy ate that and requested them for a place to sleep for the night and they cheerfully provided him a bed and pillow to sleep.. Then the boy showed his real form of Sastha and told them. “The kamban koozh that you gave me removed my hunger and made me very happy. From today your family would be known as “Kambankudi(family of millets) “ and your family people would be forever my slaves.(I have read some where Lord Sastha said he will be forever their slave) .From today I would be Kula deivam to your family and wherever you are I would be your guardian”

And the members of this family are made Sthanigar(President) of the sastha Preethi in the sastha Preethi conducted in Karanthayr Palayam and are given a high seat and great recognition.

Even today elderly people of this Kambangudi family live in various places ,Some of them are Sri Krishna Iyer , Sri veeramani iyer and Sri Ganapathi iyer of Mumbai , Sri suresh Iyer of Bangalore , Sri appachi Krishna iyer of Dondhi vilakam street of Kallidaikurichi( The first Sastha Preethi in Bangalore is conducted by this family)

Chella Pilai is supposed to be son of Dharma Sastha and his place is occupied by the family of Chella Vilas Appalam Muthuswami iyer as well as Chella Mani iyer .

Even to day in Sastha Preethi conducted in Cochin, Ernakulam And Noorni, and the people of Karandhayar palayam family are honoured there.

The very famous Sampradhaya Sastha Preethi conducted by “Sri Maha Sasthrhru seva sangham “ of Coimbatore is always conducted in The Karanthar Palayam method (sampradhayam)

Sastha Preethi is the Hospitality shown to the devotees to Dharma Sastha who is the lord of the universe . so that he gets pleased. .The first such Sastha Preethi was conducted in Kallidai Kurichi town .As told earlier this town is also called Karanthayar Palayam.This has 18 agraharams .These have been divided in to 8 Gramams.

They are

1.Vaidhyanatha puram 2. Thondhi Vilaakam 3 Ramachandra puram 4. Thennoor 5. Vahapuram also called as Veerappa puram. 6.Patta naayinaar puram 7.Mudhaliyappa puram and 8.Ekambara puram.

Each of these Gramas are called Kizhikkar. In the Dakshinayana , in the month of aadi on a Saturday The Satha Preethi is conducted .Next day i. e on Sunday ,they would complete the function by performing “Soorya Narayana pooja.”

This festival is Called “Periya Adiyantharam” (great arrangement).The village meeting for arranging it would be held in Sastham Kottai.

The Holder of the Kizhi for that year have to conduct all the festivals for one year. This also includes Sankara Jayanthi “Sringeri acharya Varadanthi day”

All festivals are celebrated by the monetary interest got for the trust created for this purpose.. Normally devotees of Sastha contribute the funds for this purpose.

The previous day to sastha Preethi “ i.e. on a Friday after 6 Pm from the village temple of the concerned Kizhi things like “Periya Adi yanthiram” (A bundle of palm leaf books) , The stick of Dharma Sastha, His elephant vahana, the chain of Sangili Bhothathaar “ the minister of Dharma Sastha and Vattai vilakku(This lamp is worshipped during sastha Preethi) are brought by the elders of the Kizhi village and for each of the people holding them, young people hold a coloured Umbrella.

They come in a grand manner accompanied by Nadaswaram music and keep all of them in the temple of Sastha. During that night a huge white ash gourd is given to the person who is going to represent sastha during that year and he would cut it in to two and give it to the cook, with a cry “Swamiye Saranam ayyappa”

Then lots are taken before God as to who will serve what dish next day during Anna Dhana from The Village Kizhikar. Next day i.e. on Saturday the sastha Preethi would be celebrated in the “Adhivaraha(Lakshmipathi)” temple in Sannidhi street All functions would be carried out in the Southern hall of the temple.

The God would be decorated in a pretty manner and The God would be made to occupy (avahanam) huge lamps.

Ganapathi in one lamp, Guru in another lamp and Maha Sastha along with poorna and Pushkalamba in another lamp.

In a lamp facing south The minister of Dharma sastha called Sri Bhoodathar would be made to enter., A big stick and chain would be kept before that lamp. And that lamp would be decorated by a garland of Vadai

Then they will offer flower garland to Sastha followed by worship with chanting of Sastha Sahasranamam , Sri Rudra Parayanam, Reading of all four Vedas and so on.

Then they will put four seats, one for the person who will represent Dharma Sastha, another for son of Sastha called Chella pillai or Sri Sathyaka , Another for the minister Bhothathar and another for the Subsidiary Gods of Sastha like Karupanna Sami and Yakshi

These seats would be occupied from selected members of the Kambangudi family.

Then the “Maha Meru Sastha” written by Sri Manidasar containing Sastha Preethi varavu songs would be sung emotionally.

Then after taking auspicious bath , lord Sastha would go. Two devotees holding a coloured Umbrella would support and guide him by giving support with their hand and then they would keep on singing Sastha Varavu songs. Before him, one person would accompany holding the Vattai lamp., Before the god his accompaniment Gods like Sangii Bhothathaar, Kundanthadi bhothathaar, Karuppa Swami, Yakshi, Chella Pillai Sri Sathyakan etc would keep on dancing and going ahead..Devotees would keep on offering them tender coconut so that they do feel thirsty.

When they reach the western gate of Perumal temple, through a hole in the wall of one house The person representing Lord Sastha would see. And elders have told us that he is seeing Billawadi Sastha and Ariyankavu sastha through that hole. Then through Melada Veedhi they will reach The Chidambareswarar temple and take bath in the steps of” Kannadiyan Kalvai”.Then all of them would wear new cloths and through Vadakku Mada Veedhi enter Perumal temple. There they will all sit in the pooja mantapa and Deeparadhanai would be shown to god,. The morning worship would come to an end there.

Afterwards the leaf bundle would be given to person representing Sastha and he would give it to the Kizhikkar of the village and he would commence the Annadhanam to all the guests.,This feast would continue for three hours. The feast would be held on the Prakaras of the Perumal temple .Normally four to five batches of people would take food.

Sastha Preethi Payasam

A huge Aduppu(stone stove) would be dug and a huge vessel supported and carried by more than 10 people would be kept on the Stove.. The Payasam would be prepared in that .Since there is a belief that Payasam should be prepared under the supervision of God, this would be prepared opposite to the Mantap whered decorated God is kept

Again on that day, night worship, would be done like morning, God would be given an auspicious bath .Naivedhyam would be prepared and later there would be Deeparadhana

Next day ie Sunday They will chant Adhithya Hrudayam and Surya Namaskaram On that day annadhanam would start at 10 AM,

In the evening there would be a meeting of the villagers. There they will choose the Grama Kizhi who will do next years Sastha Preethi.

Along with playing of musical instruments and Sarana Gosham of God, The periya adi Yanthiram, The Stick of God , Elephant Vahanam , Saram, Vattai Dheepam would be given to the New Kizhi., They are supposed to take it and keep it safely till next years Sastha Preethi

That nighttThere would be special Garuda Seva to adhi varaha perumal conducted by Maha Meru Samooham.

Nowadays Sastha Preethi is conducted in the Sastha temple called “Then kulathoor ayyan temple

Very huge number of Devotees from various places come and join in this Sastha Preethi

Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa- I surrender to God Ayyappa

Then karanthapuri vaasane Saranam ayyappa-I surrender to Ayyappa who lives in Then Karantha puri

Karanthayar palayarthuraivone Saranam mAyyappa-I surrender to Ayyappa who lives in Karanthayar Palayam

Karuna sagara Kadalone Saranam Ayyappa-I surrender to Ayyappa who is ocean of mercy

Then kulathooril ayyane saranam ayyappa_I surrender to Ayyappa who is lord of South Kulathoor

Kambamkudikkudaya udamaye Saranam Ayyappa_I surrender to Ayyappa who is property of Kamban gudi

Un Ponnadikku adimaye Saranam Ayyappa-I surrender to ayyappa to his golden feet

Samiye Saranam Ayyappa- I surrender to God ayyappa

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Nurani Sastha Preethi songs-an introduction

P.R.Ramachander

Nurani is one of the very famous Agraharams of Palakkad Town with large number of Brahmin houses. The people who originally inhabited this Agraharam believe that they have migrated to this village from Thiruvannamali of Tamil Nadu. It seems after their ancestors decided to settle in that place and when they were clearing the bushes in the western side of the village , The labourers who were from the nearby Harijan colony heard a sound akin to the ringing of bells as well as very aromatic perfume like scent. The Brahmins of the village were informed about this . Further digging was done very carefully and three cylindrical stones as well as a flat stone were recovered from there. The astrologers who were summoned to find out what they are told that the Three cylindrical shapes were the idols of Dharma Sastha and his two consorts, Poorna and Pushkala and the flat stone was that of Bhagawathy (Some say Malikapurathamma). The idols of Sastha and that of Poorna and Pushkala were installed in the Nurani agraharam and the the idol of Bhagawathi was installed in the harijan colony of Kaikuthu Paramba. The people of the Agraharam built a temple for Sastha along with his consorts. Later they came to know that there was a Namboodiri in that place before the agraharam was built and he was a great devotee of Aryankavu Sastha . He used to visit the Aryankavu every year but when he became old and was not able to visit Aryankavu, the Lord appeared in his dream and ordered him to install his statutes in front of his house and worship them. People of Nurani believe that these were the idols worshipped by that Namboodiri. The people of the village believe that all this happened more than 200 years earlier. At That time Ayyappan as a God was not popular among Brahmins of Kerala . But Sastha with his consorts was very popular in Thirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu. There are even today , large number of Sastha temples in that district. It is in one such village called Kulathoor which is near Kallidai Kurichi town that the practice of Sastha Preethi originated. This village had a group of Brahmins called Karanthayar Brahmins. They were essentially business people and used to carry out trade in various parts of Kerala. In due course they first settled in Ernakulam and later In Trichur. (they were called Pondy Brahmins) . These settlers were called the Pondi Samooham in kerala. One of the members of this samooham was a family of Kambangudi. It seems this family helped Swami Ayyappan by providing him food when he came to hunt for a tigress. At That time it is believed that The Lord promised them that he would be with them wherever they go and would assist them.(Kambangudikku naan adimai-I am a slave to the Kambangudi family) . It was possibly that this family which started the Sastha Preethi as we know it now. It is essentially confined to the Brahmin community . (A similar function carried out by the Non Brahmin community is called Ayyappan Vilakku. ) After the worship and singing songs extolling Dharma Sastha , a wholesome food is provided to all the Brahmins. It seems in Kualthoor where it seems to have originated , the eighteen agraharams used to join together and perform it in a grand way . It is not clear when Sastha Preethi started being celebrated in Kerala agraharams. Possibly it started in a small way in the Pondi Agraharams in Ernakulam. But the Grand Sastha Preethi which is being celebrated in Noorani must have originated from here. I am telling this because , Most of the Sastha preethi songs are addressed to the Then Kulathoor Ayyan though the villagers claim that they are celebrating it for the past 300 years. It is not at all clear about the format of the Sastha Pattukkal at the earliest times. One of the great Musician of Nurani called Parameswara Bhagawathar who was in the court of King Swathi Thirunal Maharaja , has played a key role in collecting these songs.

Most of these songs are addressed to the Thenkulathoor ayyan. Many people still believe that the Kulathoor that they are referring in Kulathoor puzha. But this is not so , because in Kualthoor puzha Sastha is consecrated as a child and not as one who was married to Poorna and Pushkala. It is also interesting to note that there is only one idol of the boy Sastha in Aryan Kavu (Namboodiri is supposed to have consecrated it based on this temple) , But In Kulathoor Sastha temple which is near Kallidai Kurichi the sastha is with his queens Poorna and Pushkala. Another important aspect about Nurani Sastha songs is that they extol also the son of Sastha called Chella Pillai, and many couriers of Sastha Like Vella Kal bhootham, SAngili Sastha, Yakshi , Karuppan and so on. Chella Pillai and these Bhootha courtiers of Sastha are not very popular in the Ayyappan cult of Sabari Malai. It is interesting to note that they are mentioned and are also popular in the KUlathhor temple of Kallidai Kurichi. Another interesting aspect of these songs is that almost all of them are in Tamil. Since the Palakkad Tamil is not pure but to a certain extent mixed with Malayalam , the words in the songs are mostly spelled in Palakkad Tamil . Except for one or two dhyana slokas in Sanskrit, few Vanchi Pattu(Boat songs) in Malayalam , all the text is in Tamil. I had struggled to translate these songs in to English because of this . I am sure large number of mistakes are still there . I request readers to point out these mistakes to me as comments or by mail to my e-mail ID. I am requesting this because this great treasure of songs about Sastha which we have inherited must be preserved for posterity in a language that they can understand.

How the Sastha Preethi are sung in Nurani

(From a book called Nurani Sastha preethi Padal published by Sri N.E.Padmanabhan and Sri N.E.Anantheswaran in 2005)

In Nurani Sastha Preethi is not a one or two days function. The festival starts from the commencement of the Mandalam every year. Around 9 Pm all devotees assemble in the temple for

the ardhajama pooja and sing Bhajans in conventional style peculiar to Nurani .Changalavatta( Oil lamp hanging on a chain) is lighted and after breaking coconut in the Sastha SAnnidhi and after three pradakshinams accompanied by Nadaswaram , all devotees sit in two opposite lines facing each other at the Sastha sannidhi. Destined Bhagawathar with the permission of elders commences the songs as per Padathi (Practice) giving importance to Sastha songs , natta, thodaya mangalam, viruthams , keerthanams and then Deeparadhana is performed. After Deeparadhana and distribution of prasadams concluding poojas and songs continue. Manthra pushpam, Swarna pushpam , Chathurveda parayanam and Aseervadams are chanted.One stanza from shiva ashtakam , ashtapadi and a keerthanam , followed by thevaram , virutham, pathyam , venpa , kalithurai , NaLANGU, Kummi , Choornikai, Oonjal Nadai chuthal and Vazthu follow.

In the fourth and fifth week of the mandalam , after singing the usual songs an auspicious Wednesday or Saturday is selected for starting the “Avesha Pattu” , For this , senior devotees prostrate before the Lord Dharma Sastha and seek permission from the president and members as well as elders of the village to commence the Sastha songs. Afterwards Avesha pattu is sung on all wednedays and Saturdays till Sastha preethi. These songs alert the devotees and create inspiration and Bhakthi in them . The Komaram or Velichappadu known as Narthakas dance around the temple to the tune of the songs to add gaiety to the occasion. Senior Komaram is given Sword and big rings(Thandai) and are adorned with Koorai(Red cloth) They dance around the temple distributing Vibhuthi prasdams, which instuills faith and devotion.

These songs are to be sung only in the traditional way and ragas/.thalams should not be changed to maintain age old tradition and the sentiments and devotion which go with these songs.

Preceding wedneday before Sastha preethi , Sastha savarna sahasranama archana to Sastha is performed and on Thursday 1008 SAnku pooja and Abishekam to Lord Maha Vishnu are performed. Further Poorna dravya abishekam to Sastha and Kalababishekam to Vishnu are also performed.

On the auspicious Saturday after mandalam Sastha pretha is scheduled except on Shukla Sashti , Ekadasi , Amavasya and Pournami.

After all great religious observations on the Sastha preethi day , which includes a great feast , at night Vanji Pattu commences. After four pradakshinams of the temple , all devotees assemble together and sing all the songs as usual.

Acknowledgements

P.R.Ramachander

I have only heard about these great songs sung during Sastha Preethi at Nurani(Noorani) .When I wanted to translate them in to English, Sri P.V.AnathaNarayanan , who is my friend encouraged me do it. He also gave me a English transliterated version of The entire Sastha Preethi songs done by Sri Choodamani Noorani Hariharan alias Sunil of New delhi. I have completely used these transliterated texts. My grateful thanks are to Sunil , who has done a back breaking job of typing the very large number of songs in English. Sri P.V.Ananthanarayanan also gave me a printed Tamil book called Noorani Sastha Preethi Padal published in 2005 by Sri N.E.Padmanabhan and Sri N.E.Anatheswaran in 2005. Whenever I had doubts I have referred to this book. My grateful acknowledgements to both thse authors , who live in Mumbai. My grateful acknowledgments are also due to my friend Sri P.V.Ananthanarayanan.

Without the blessing of the Lord Dharma Sastha , I simply could not have done the job I took up. My anantha koti Namaskarams to him.

Nurani sastha Preethi Pattukal 1-10

Translated by P.R.Ramachander

As per tradition the songs commence with a prayer to Lord Ganesa.

1. Ganapathy Stuthi

Kunjara vadana undhan kancha maamalar padhathai

Thanjamendradi paninthen thaarakaa pottri pottri

Vanchimaamalayil vaazhum dharmasaasthrayyan meethil paada

Chanchalamtheerthu enkal nenchakam kudikolvaayey

Oh Elephant faced God , I have surrendered to your.

Lotus like feet , Oh Tharakaa , hail. Hail,

For singing about The Dharma Sastha who lives in great Vanchi mountain,

Please remove our nervousness and start living in our hearts.

Tharakaa-One with a shape of “Om”

Vanchi mountain –western ghats.

Next prayer is addressed to Goddess Saraswathi

Maanikkaveenai oru kayyinil thaangiyey

Mahimayoorum ishaipaadidum mandhahaasini

Divyasundaraangi kamalmandiraalayamathil vaazhum

Vaanikki ananthamaanasa poojai vakaiperavum mika

Uravumaai vandanam sheykintra anthanar shiruvarkalaam

Engalukku arul purikuvaayey

Oh Goddess with a pretty smile , who is holding a gem studded Veena ,

in her hand and sings , songs which have potential,

Oh Goddess with pretty mien, Who is the Vani who lives in the temple of lotus,

On these Brahmin* lads, who are mentally worshipping you,

Along with their relations, shower your grace

* Brahmin lads only participate in Sastha Preethi..

Prayer to Guru

Hariharasuthanaam dheeran aariyan meethil paada

Guruvarpaadhapadmayugalamey chintha sheiythu

Shiruvarum elithil ullam theliyavey swami meethil

Sharivara sthuthikkavey yaan shattrinen pohti pothi

To sing about the very courageous Arya who is the son of Vishnu and Shiva,

We meditate on the lotus like pair of feet of the Guru,

So that we the youngsters would have a clear mind,

By reciting the prayer on the God, I am praising you, hail, hail.

Anai mukathon Thambi arul kumaranukku ilayon ,

Vanavar pothum vani vanthu yenakkarula vendum,

Senayim thalaivar pothum then kulathooril ayyan,

Kaanaka vilayattellam karuthudan uraippai nenje.

Brother of Lord Ganesa , younger brother of Lord Subramanya

The Goddess Saraswathi praised by the Devas should come and bless me,

And oh heart , with sincerity relate the plays in the forest ,

Of the Ayyappan of Thenkulathoor*who is worshipped by chiefs of army.

*The Kulathoor near Kallidai kurichi of Thirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu.

Anthanar munivar shoozhum athbutha sabhayai pohti

Mandhiram kayyilena valar kulathooraan meethil

Chinthayil udhitha shollay cheppumen kavi vilanga

Skanthanum guruvum vaani gajamukhan kaappy thaamey

After praising this assembly surrounded by Brahmins and sages,

For the words that raise in my mind about The God of Then kulathoor ,

Whose temple grew up as if it is held in our hands,

To be made in to a poem , let Lord Subramanya Guru, Sarasawathi and Ganapathi protect us.

Muntharul shivanai pohti moorkhanaam asuran pahti

Indhiravaramum ettri eeshanaar vesham thottri

Painthodi pakara nirthi paarthipan viraham maattri

Santhathiyaana moorthey dharmasasthrey namasthey

Hail to Shiva who is pleased first , who to kill the bad Asura*,

Based on the boon given to Indra, took a form different from his own,

Made Goddess Parvathi stand and put an end to problem of Arjuna,

And Oh Sastha who is his son, my salutations.

*Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi took the form of hunters to kill an asura to help Arjuna

Konkani kusavum katti kovai vaii idazhum moodi,

Poonkuyil kuralum ittu, Poorna pushkalayayum vettu,

Pangudan karantha nattin bhakthanukku abhayam ittu ,

Then kavi kavithai ootum chelvan mel cholven Pattu.

Showing his armoured chest , closing his mouth as red as Kovai fruit,

Sounding like the koel of the flower, marrying Poorna and Pushkala,

With grace , he gave protection to the devotee of Karantha Nadu* ,

And singing the southern poetry is my darling and I will tell songs about him.

*Kulathoor belongs to Karanthai agraharam

Aanai maamukhaney unthan malaradi paninthen

Bhootha senakaavananaam enkal then kulathoorilayyan

Kaanakam thannil munnaal karuthudan udhitha sheykai

Jnaanamaai naanum paada naavil vantharuluvaayey

I salute at your lotus like feet , oh God having face of a big elephant,

And our lord of Thenkulathoor , the protector of Bhoothas ,

Who appeared with great good intention inside the forest

Please come on my toungue so that , I can sing about it.

Neeradiye mulai paal ooti , nithyam nithyam thalaati,

Ubamayai thottil aati , thanayar irandum paarattiye,

Adiyaar thamakku parinchudarai neerattil vaazhum Gananadhan padam ,

Dhinam thozhaai nenjame .

After taking bath, feeding breast milk , daily and daily singing lullabies ,

After rocking two cradles, when both sons appreciated ,

The Ganesa lives as a flame in the heart of devotees,

And please salute his feet daily, oh mind.

Thejo mandala madhyagam thrinayanam divyaambaraalankrutham

Devam pushap sharekshu kaarmukalasath maanikya paathraabhayam

Bibraanam kara pankajair madhagaja skanthaathi roodam vibhum

Saasthaaram varadham namaami sathatham thrai lokya sammohanam

I daily salute that Sastha who gives us boons, who is prettiest in the three worlds,

Who is in the middle of shining orbit, who has three eyes, who wears divine cloths,

Who is the god with flowers, bow , arrow , vessel of Manikhya gem ,

Who protects the Brahmins by his lotus like hand and rides on an elephant .

Sree poornaa pushkalaabhyaam bhrushamathi vilasath Paarshwa bhaagam gajendram

Skandhaaroodathigamyam mukulitha nayanam Mohini mohanaangam

Naanaarathnoughabhoosham sphadiga maninibham Bhasma hasthena deeptham

Saasthaaram saarvabhowmam sakala shubhakaram Sarvakaalam namaami.

I always salute the great Lord Sastha , who grants all auspiciousness,

Who shines along with Poorna and Pushkala , who has an elephant at his side,

On whom he rides , who has flower like eyes, Who is the pretty son of Mohini,

Who wears several costly gems , Who shines like crystal, and who wears sacred ash on his hand

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2. Jaya veeraa manikantaa (Naattai)

Jayaveeraa manikantaa Devaney kaanthamalai

Uyarkeethi padaitha kula thooraa en swamy (Jaya Jaya…)

Victory to Manikanta , the God of Kanthamalai,

Who has great fame and is my God of Kulatheer.

Kantha malai- Magnetic mountain where Lord Ayyappa lives.

Vayal shoozh kerala naattil vaasaney adiyavarkal

Bhayam theerthu rakshikkum parama krupayaalaa (Jaya Jaya…)

Oh God who lives in Kerala surrounded by fields ,

Oh Merciful God who removes fear of devotees and protects them

Urai shenthamizh kanukoolaa uthamaa sad gunasheelaa

Parimeethil natanam sheyyum pankaja porpaadhaa (Jaya Jaya…)

Oh God who likes good tamil speech , Oh god with very good conduct ,

Oh God with lotus like feet who dances on a horse

Sarasanennum shella ppillai shaavalanum pani yarashan

Arashanai kali theerkkum ayya en swami (kulathooraa) (Jaya Jaya…)

The very desirable darling son who does all jobs ,

Oh Lord who removed the sorrow of the king , Oh my god

Thanjamennai kaarum ayyaa dharmaroo paathuyyaa

Kunjarathil varumayyaa then kulathooril ayyaa Jaya Jaya…)

Oh God having Dharma as form, Oh pure one , please protect me,

Please come on elephant in Thenkulathoor

Ponnin mani samkaashaa poorna push kalai neshaa

Kanniyarkal maharaajaa siva kaantha malai vaasaa (Jaya Jaya…)

Oh God who resembles Gold, Oh God who loves Poorna and Pushkala ,

Oh king of maids , Oh God who lives in Shiva kantha mountains

Anda randa bhageerandaa aanathor adimai kondaa

Vendaayathaal uddhandaa jaya veera mani kantaa (Jaya Jaya…)

Oh God who is the globes of universe, please make me your slave ,

Oh God who became powerful by being a king , Victory to Valorous Manikanda*

*When Lord Ayyappa was found , he had a thread chain in which a gem was tied up.

Jayadharmaa paripaalaa jaya mano hara sheelaa

Jaya bhaktha jana mithraa jaya shatru naashaa (Jaya Jaya…)

Victory to him who maintains Dharma, Victory to one having pretty conduct,

Victory to friend of devotees, Victory to destroyer of enemies

Palakkaattu cheri samooham paramaney hariharan shol

Arunthavamey then kulathoor ayya en swamy (Jaya Jaya…)

Oh God who is considered as Harihara swamy even in slums of Palakkad ,

Oh great penance , Oh Lord of Thenkulathoor, Oh my god.

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3. Kulathooril mevukintra Nattai (vera mattu)

Kulathooril mevukintra kunjarathil varukintra

Anthanarkal pukazhkintra veera manikantaa - jaya

Victory the valorous Manikanda who lives in Kulathoor ,

Who rides on an elephant and who is praised by Brahmins

Maaneduthu vilayaadum vandulaa vi sheikal paadum

Vaanavar dinam kondaadum vaazh kulathoorilayyaa then kulathooril ayya

Oh Lord of Kulathoor where deer play , bees roam and play music,

Where devas daily praise , Oh Lord of Thenkulathoor

Shiva kaantha malai mevum shingaara chandhana kkaavil

Shella ppillayudan mevum then kulathoorilayyaa Vaazh kulathooril ayya

Oh God who lives in Shivakanthamalai in the very pretty sandal wood temple ,

And who roams as darling son in Then Kulathoor and Lord who lives in Kulathoor.

Hariharan arul baalaa anaivarkkum anukoolaa

Aariyan kaavinil vaazhum ayyaa muthayyaa

Oh Boy who is graced by Shiva and Vishnu , Who is partial to all ,

Oh Lord who lives in Aaryan kavu, Oh darling lord.

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4. Sharanam sharanam

Sharanamumaithiru sharana malaradi

Thanthu enthanai aaluvaai

Sharanam then kula thooril meviya

Sharanamey jaga dheeshaney (sharanam sharanam…)

I surrender , please give your divine feet ,

And rule over me ,

I surrender to the great God who,

Existed as protection in Thenkulathoor.

Shankaran thiru maal ukantharul

Chathuranaakiya thuyyaney

Engalukku varam kodutharul

Eeshaney sarveshaney (sharanam sharanam…)

Oh pure one who is very clever and ,

Is the joint grace of Lord Vishnu and Shiva,

Please grant us boons,

As God and as God of all.

Chandhana kkavil chendhooram kondu

Vanthu indhiran paniyavey

Anthanarkku varam kodutharul

Ayyaney pukazh meyyaney (sharanam sharanam…)

When Indra brought Chendooram ,

And bowed before him in sandalwood temple ,

And requested “Please give boons to Brahmins ,

Oh Lord , Oh truthful one who is famous.”

Vellakkal bhootham shella ppillayum

Virumbbhi thozhum bhootha naathaney

Ullam thannil urai harikkum haranukkum

Unmayaakiya puthraney

Swaamiyaakiya puthraney (sharanam sharanam…)

Oh Lord of Bhoothas who is saluted by Vellakal bhoothan*,

As well as by the darling son with desire **,

Oh God who is the true son of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva,

Oh son who is the God.

*One of the chief courtier of lord Sastha

** Shella pillai –darling son of Lord Sastha.

Andar munivarkal kandu paninthida

Adhika varam tharum bodhaney

Kondral pozhinthidum thendral kaavinil

Ulaavum kulathooril ayyaney

Swami kulathooril ayyaney (sharanam sharanam…)

Oh God who gives lots of boons,

To the sages of the world , when they see and salute you,

Oh Lord of Kulathoor who wanders in the garden where the wind flows,

Oh God who is the lord of Kulathoor

Shiriyel urai sheiythen poomi mel alli

Shirakkavey arul purikuvaay

Hariharan thiru baalanaey pukazh

Adhipan then kulathooraney (sharanam sharanam…)

I the lowly one said , Please help,

To the lotus to bloom in this world,

Oh son of Shiva and Vishnu,

Who is the lord and king of Thenkulathoor.

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5. Murahara nagadhara

Murahara nagadhara mukundha maadhavaa

Garuda gamana pankaja naabhaa - krishnaa

Parama purusha bhava bhanjana keshavaa

Naramruga shareera namo namo

Hari naaraayanathey namo namo

Naradha sannutha namo namo

Hari naaraayanathey namo namo

Killer of Mura, one who carried the mountain , Mukundha , Madhva ,

One who travels on Garuda , One who has lotus on his belly , Krishna,

Oh Divine Purusha whois Kesava who destroys accumulated Karma,

Oh God with body of man and the beast salutations,

Oh Hari and Narayana, to you my salutations,

Oh God to whom Narada is the devotee , salutations ,

Oh Hari and Narayana, to you my salutations,

Aadhi deva sakalaagama poojitha

Yaadhava kula mohana roopaa – krishnaa

Vedhodhara thiru venkita naayakaa

Radha priyathey namo namo (hari naraayanathey….)

Oh Primeval God who is worshipped by all Vedas,

Oh pretty one born in Yadava clan,

Oh Lord of Venkitachala who lifts the Vedas ,

Oh darling of Radha salutations

Jaladhi shayana ravi chandra vilochanaa

Jala ruha bhava nutha charana yugam - krishnaa

Bali bandhana go vardhana giridhara

Nalinordharathey namo namo (hari naraayanathey….)

Oh God who sleeps on ocean, who has sun and moon as eyes,

Who is Krishna whose feet is saluted by the elephant in water ,

Who tied the great Mahabali , Who carried Govardhana mountain,

And who has pretty eyes , My salutations.

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6. Thodaya mangalam

(The song of auspiciousness normally sung before starting the Bhajan)

Maadhava bhava thuthey mangalam

Madhumura harathey mangalam Krishna

Hey Madhava Mangalam(auspiciousness) to you

Hey killer of Madhu and Mura , Mangalam to you Krishna

Naravara nandhanaa naagari kethanaa

Maragatha mani nilaa mangalam Krishnaa

Son of blessed man , The enemy of serpent

Who is blue like emerald mangalam Krishna

Sundhara thanujayaa koojitha noopuraa

Sundhara vadhanashree mangalam Krishna

One with pretty body with the singing anklets,

One who has a pretty face , Mangalam Krishna.

Mandhaara vanamaalaa vaaniya guna gana

Sreeranga poorachandra mangalam krishnaa

One who wears garland of forest flowers, who has the proper diction,

The full moon of Sreeranga , Mangalam Krishna

Maadhava bhava thuthey mangalam

Madhumura harathey mangalam Krishnaa

Maadhava bhava thuthey mangalam

Hey Madhava Mangalam to you

Hey killer of Madhu and Mura , Mangalam to you Krishna

Hey Madhava Mangalam to you

Ranga puraalayaa raaghava paalayaa

Mandhara giridharaa mangalam

Sangeetha saahithyaa sarasa gunaalayaa (Sreeranga ….)

One who has temple in Sri Ranga , one who is young Rama ,

One who lifted Mandhara mountain , Mangalam

One who is blessed with the beauty of text of songs , Mangalam

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Virutham

(spontaneous improvisations)

1.Oyaamal ummudaya mantram japithu

Manamum vanthu shei poojayellaam

Ulaginil poyyendru sholluvathu sathyamo unmayaai chollum ayyaa ?

Oh Lord say whether is true that

“Chanting your manthra without stop,

And doing the worship done whole heartedly,

Is useless in this world” ,.

Thaayaana unnai antri gathiyilen ennai nee thalli vidal neethiyaamo ?

Since you are my mother , pushing me ( who does not have any support,) away ,

Is it proper and justified?

Thamiyen sheyyaparaadham shatha koti yaakilum

Kshami yaathiruppathu azhago ?

Even if I have done is hundred crores of mistakes,

Is it proper for you not to pardon them?

Vaayaravey kilichol pontra nin sthuthigal mainthan naan mura ittum

Manthu irangaathathu yen entru naan arikilen

Maadeva maal mainthaney

Oh Son of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu ,

Though I beseech you by ‘parrot like chanting of your prayers’,

And as a son I humbly requested you,

I do not know why , your mind does not melt?

Eeyaatha lobharkalkku iru naangu shelvamum

Ishainthu arul puriyavillayoh

Eeshan makizh devi lalitheshwariyin baalaney

Pari pooranaanandhaney

Have you not with consent give ,

Large amount of wealth to the misers who do not give any charity?

Oh son of the Goddess who makes Lord Shiva pleased,

Oh God who is fully and divinely joyous.

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2.Aarvamenum koyilamaithu arivenum deivathai naatti

Ahankaarama enum aanavathai bali koduthu

Buddhiyenum pushpathaal maalai shootti

Perinpam enum choodathai jnana oliyinaal ettri

Thannai maranthu sabarimalai thalaivan idam

Sheru varuveerey jagatheerey.

After building a temple called desire ,

After consecrating there the god called wisdom,

After sacrificing the animal called pride ,

After garlanding with flowers called intelligence ,

After lighting the camphor called divine joy, along with light of divine wisdom,

Forgetting yourself, please come to be one with Lord of Sabari mountain, Oh people

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SLOKAM

(Sanskrit verses)

1.Drushtwaa mayaa swaroopam , Shiva hrudayaharam,

Basma paitheya sathrum,

Vishnum devo mahesam madana vara vasaan,

Thapa sambhogamasmath

Jatham lokopakare Harihara thanayam ,

Thanveenaam bana hastham ,

Vandheham Bhoothanadham , sakala ripu haram,

Sooryakodi prakasam

After Seeing the illusory form which was stealing the mind of Lord Shiva,

Of Lord Vishnu who was the father of the enemy whom he burnt ,

Shiva got in to the hold of God of love and made love to him.

Then the son was born to Shiva and Vishnu for helping the world ,

That Lord of the Bhoothas saluted , the bow holding mother ,

And became the destroyer of all enemies and had the light of billion suns.

2.Aa shyaama komala vishaalathanum vichitram

Vaasovasaanam arunolpala dhaama hastham

Uthunga ratna makutam kutilaagra kesham

Saasthaaram ishta varadham sharanam prapadyey

I seek the protection of Sastha who loves his devotees,

Who has the peculiar pretty black body colour,

Who lives till the end of the world,

Who has dawn like hands which resemble lightning

Who has tall crown made of costly gems,

And Who has curly and pretty hair.

7 Aadhaaram un Paadham allaal (panthuvaraali)

Aadhaaram un paadhamallaal ayyaa verundoh

un paadhamallaal ayyaa verundoh

Bhoothalathil bahujanam poojai sheikintraar

Pulikkottil ayyappaney en swami (aadhaaram……)

Oh Lord, Except your feet is there any other support,

Except your feet is there any other support,

In this world , very many people worship you,

Oh Ayyappa of Pulikodu, My God

Deshaadhi deshamellaam thirinthen aashayinaaley

Dehamellaam vaadi thurumpaachey

Eeshwara maaka ennai mikavumm rakshitharulvaayi

Vaasaney enkal sarveshwaraney haraney (aadhaaram……)

Due to desire I roamed from country to another country,

And all my body wilted and became like a straw,

Oh God , please greatly protect me,

Oh Vasa, Oh our God of all, Oh Hara.

Mikavum ummai nampi vanthaal arukil vanthaal

Virunthendru neer shummaa irukkalaamoh

Jegam thannil un pukizhai sthuthikkum adiyavarkku

Chitham irangumayyaa muthayyaa (aadhaaram……)

When believing in you I Come , I come near you,

Assuming I am your guest, Should you keep quite?

Oh Muthaiah* please have mercy in your heart,

To those devotees of the world who praise you.

*One name of Ayyappa

Thirupuram eri sheitha harihara maninaathaa

Siddhadhi siddharellaam deva devaa

Harihara puthiranaam aandavan pulikkottil

Ayyappaney pulikkottil meyyappaney haraney (aadhaaram……)

Oh Harihara mani nadha who burnt the three cities,

Oh God of Gods to all Sidhas.

Oh God who is son of Vishnu and Shiva , Oh Ayyappa of Pulikode ,

Oh True Lord of Pulikode

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8. Engum unthan keerthi (Chenchurutti)

Engum unthan keerthiyey keerthi

pongum valar noornai vaazh pulikkottil ayyaa

Engum unthan keerthiyey keerthi

Everywhere there is only your fame,

Oh Lord of Pulikode , who lives in the very famous Noorani

In all places there is only your fame .

Karthigai maasathil unthan vilakkey

Ummai kaakshi tharum baala mahaa janarkkey

Unthan keerthanai thannai pukazhum anthanarkkey

Entrum kittaatha varamarulum keerthi thaan umakkey (Engum….)

Your Vilakku(lamp) is in the month of Karthigai,

And for the sake of those children to see,

To the Brahmins who sing your fame ,

You have the fame of giving the boons that no one gets.

Swami Vedi vishari kadhanai kudai nerunga

Muzhakkam megham idi ethiridi pol muzhangaa

nalla padakka chakra vaanakkambham vilanga

vantha paradeshiyaarkkum annadhaana mika vazhanga (Engum….)

Oh God, with crackers , fan and Big crackers nearing you,

Making a sound that resembles the thunder ,

For making the Pada Chakra vana to be clearly seen,

And to give food even for the strangers.

Swami Mannavar dhinam ummai kondaada

Deiva maathar venchaamarangal poda

Unthan sannadhi vidhaanathai kondaada

Swami sathirudaney pulavor sangeetham ishai paada (Engum….)

Oh God with kings singing your great fame ,

With Apsara maidens fanning with white Chamaras,

For celebrating your presence in temple ,

Oh God with poets singing music along with dance

Swami Poothalathil illai intha puthumai

ummai Pottrum pala mahaajanagal nalamai

engal Aadhi keshava un thiru valimai

aarkum Ariyakkoodaatha puli kkottilayyan mahaimai (Engum…)

Oh God in this world there is nothing new,

That the many people who praise you are doing well,

And due the divine strength of our Adhi Kesava ,

And due the power of lord of Pulikodu which is not known to people.

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9. Ayyanai naan unnai nambinen (Chenchurutti)

Ayyaney naan unnai nambinen aadharithiduvaai

Kulathooril ayyaney naan unnai nambinen aadharithiduvaai

Oh Lord I believed in you and so please support me,

Oh Lord of Kulathoor I believed in you, please support me.

Vayyakathilulla maanidar pukazhum

Vaazhum kulathooril ayyaa – un paadhathil (ayyanai…..)

Oh Lord who lives in Kulathoor who is ,

Praised by men in heaven and I believed in your feet

Thingal aninthidum shankaranaar shiva

Linga phalam thannill angam olikkavey

Mangai vadivaana pankaja lochanan

Shenkayyil udhitha ponkum- kulathooril (ayyanai…..)

When power of attraction of Lord Shiva ,

Who wears the moon started shining in the limbs,

Of the Lotus eyed one who had taken the form of a woman,

In the Kulathoor which originated from chenkai

Pandu paandya raajan mandalam thanniley

Kondu varum puli kandu bhayam kondu

Vandaar kuzhal maathar dhandanidum unthan

Pundareeka ppadham rendayyum - kandu naan (ayyanai…..)

In the olden days in the kingdom of Pandya ,

Scared by the tiger that you brought ,

The pretty woman whose hair attracts the bees,

Saluting both your lotus feet and I saw you

Dharaniyil pukazh noorani thanniley

Pooranai pushkalai sherum oyyaaranai

Aaranarkal vedha paaraayanam sheyyum

Veera manikanta veeraa – un paadhathil (ayyanai…..)

In Noorani which is famous in this world ,

Oh pretty one who is joined by Poorna and Pushkala,

Where Brahmins are reading the Vedas,

Oh Valorous Mani Kanta , on your feet

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10. Varuvaaro Vaaraaro (chenchurutti)

Varuvaaro vaaraaro vaazhkulathoor aadhipanaar

Vanthum engal manakkavalaikal

Theeraaro kaaraaro (varuvaaro….)

Will The owner Kulthoor come, will he not come,

After coming will be remove our worries, will he protect us.

Kaattil shingam kaduvaai puli , karadi kaandaamrugangaludan

Eettivaal shingaani villudan ,Thaashtikathudan vettayaadi

After hunting with great power lion, Cheetha , tiger, bear

And rhinoceros with the powerful bow

Kachai ketti karuppuduthi kaaviyooru maalai ketti

Pachai pari meethileri Kochi nagaram vazhiyaakavaey

After tying the Dhothi , after wearing black and wearing the ochre rosary,

After climbing on the boat , through the town of Kochi

(Indicates connection with the Pondi Samooham in Cochin)

Veera kerala varma naattil aarirandum anjin melaam

Paalai nagar samooham entru Paaraar pukazh nooraniyil

In the land of Valorous Kerala Verma with ,twelve Pancha vadhyams ,

In the Palakkad samooham and in the world famous Noorani.

Pandu paandya raajan pendeer kondavar pinikkaakavaey

Andamellaam nadungum vengai Konduvanthor manikantayyan

In the olden times for the sickness of wife of the Pandya king,

The Lord Manikanda brought a tigress which made the entire world shiver.

Aaranarkal vedha murai othum thiru nooraniyil

Poorana pushkalayudaney Shera vanthor kulathoorayyan

In the Divine Noorani where the Brahmins chant Vedas,

The Lord Of Kulathoor came along with Poorna and Pushkala.

Wednesday, January 8, 2020

Nurni Sastha preethi songs

Saturday, August 10, 2019

The celebration of Karandhar Palayam sasthaa Preethi

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Nurani Sastha Preethi songs-an introduction

How the Sastha Preethi are sung in Nurani

Acknowledgements

Nurani sastha Preethi Pattukal 1-10

2. Jaya veeraa manikantaa (Naattai)