Sri Purandara DaasaruA.D. 1485 – 1564

“Purandara gurum vande Dasa-sreshtham dayanidhim”(Salutations to you, Purandaraguru, Greatest of the saints and the most kind)

V.Prabhakar Rao

Singapore

Dec 2007

Let me commence my compilation with a namaskara to Shri Raghavendra Guru Rajaru, …….. who has been described as “Charanara Sanjeeva”, “Kann ThodesivaKaruneeya”, “Karadhara Baruva Guru”, “Kamadhenu”, “Kalpakavriksha” ……. by various Daasas and devotees, over the past nearly four centuries.

Shri Gurubyo Namaha:

The Haridasa lineage sprang 800 years ago. It took birth with the inspiration of Sri Madhwacharya, blossomed during the period of his disciple Sri Naraharitheertharu, during which time it took the poetic form. Two centuries later through the relentless efforts of Sri Sripadarajaru and his principal disciple Sri Vyasarajaru, it reached the common man in the form of lyrics set to music. The movement gained momentum during the period of Sri Purandara Dasaru, Sri Kanaka Dasaru & Sri VadhirajaSwamy. The tradition was carried on in the same rich fashion by Vijaya Dasaru, Gopala Dasaru, JagannathaDasaru and others.

Ref: “Purandara Dasaru” by Dr.AralumalligeParthasarathy

Haridasa lineage

Among all the exponents of Karnataka Harikatha heritage, Sri Purandara Dasaru is revered as the foremost figure

The legend of a miserly Srinivasa Nayak repeatedly refusing God who was testing him in the form of a poor brahminseeking monetary help for his son’s upanayanamand his sudden awakening to the fact that it was indeed the Lord himself who was with him all the time, thanks to the noble deed of his wife ……… is well known. It was at this moment of awakening that Srinivasa Nayak shed all his earthly attachments and went searching for Lord.His wife’s guidance led him to Guru Vyasaraja who showed his destiny as a Haridasa, spreading Bhakthiamong the common folk. It was Guru Vyasaraja who transformed him into Purandara Dasa.

Early life of Purandara Dasa

The supreme nature of Sri Purandara Dasa’s service to Lord and humanity was highlighted by his Guru Vyasarajaru singing his disciple’s praise in his

composition “Dasarendhere Purandara Dasaraiyya” (a rare occasion where the Guru sings the praise of his

disciple! Shows the greatness of both!!)

Shri Vyasarajaru, his Guru (and also the Raja Guru of King Shri Krishna Deva Raya of the VijayanagaraEmpire) ordained him to use his knowledge of music and literature, to carry to common masses the essence of Vedas and Upanishads, in the form of easy verses and poetry expressed in simple day to day language. He blessed him to compose such immortal songs of Bhakthi, Gnana, Vairagya that they will purify the minds of people and that he would be responsible for the dawn of a new era in bhakthi.

Ref: “Purandara Dasaru” by Dr.AralumalligeParthasarathy

His Guru’s guidance and blessings

Guru Vyasarajaru is said to have blessed Purandara Dasa with the ankita “Purandara Vittala” which will be found near the end of all his

compositions

About this great Saint Sri Vyasa Rajaru:

According to the legend he was reincarnation of Bhaktha Prahalada and was born again as the “Kaliyuga Kamadhenu” Sri Raghavendra Swamy.

Sri Vyasarajaru was the Guru of both the prominent Dasas viz., Sri Purandara Dasa and Sri Kanaka Dasa

Sri Vyasarajaru was the composer of the divine devotional song that millions of hindu families have sung, over centuries, to invite Krishna into their household ….. “Krishna Nee Begane Baaro”.

He was a great devotee of Anjaneya and was instrumental in establishing over 700 Anjaneyatemples around South India.

His Guru’s guidance and blessings

Purity of heart, devotion to God and compassion towards all living beings form the core of Purandaradasa'sphilosophy. A householder's life was no impediment to spiritual progress, as his own life was an example.

Ref: Wikipedia.org

His philosophy

Essentially Purandara Dasa carried his Guru’s teachings (based on Sri Madhwacharya’s philosophy) to ordinary folks through his

“devarunamas”

Sri Purandara Dasaru has been affirmed by Saints and Scholars as an avathara of Sage Narada

An interesting episode reflecting Vittala’s Leela to show his affection for Purandara Dasa has been heard by generation after generation. This leela of Panduranga Vittala makes the King’s guards suspect Purandara Dasa in the case of a missing royal jewel. And he is tied to a pillar in the Panduranga Mandirand lashed as a punishment for this alleged misdeed. And each time he receives a lash a cry of pain emanates from the sanctum sanctorium, revealing the close bond between Purandara Dasa and the Lord Himself.

Even today this pillar has been named after Purandara Dasa and is worshipped by all devotees visiting this famous temple.

Ref: “Purandara Dasaru” by Dr.AralumalligeParthasarathy

A legend – Vittala’s Leela

“Purandara Vittalane sarva Jagathu” – Sri Purandara Dasaru in the devarunama “en Savi en savi Harinama …..”

* He is credited with having consolidated and structured the teaching of Carnatic music. He systematised the teaching method by framing a series of graded lessons such as swaravalis, janta swaras, alankaras, lakshana geetas, prabandhas, ugabhogas, thattu varise, geetham and sooladis.

* He introduced the Mayamalavagaula as the basic scale for music instruction. These are followed by teachers and students of Carnatic music even today.

* Another of his important contributions was the fusion of bhava, raga and laya in his compositions.

* Purandaradasa's era was probably the beginning of Carnaticmusic's movement towards krithi based classical music (one of its distinguishing characteristics compared to Hindustani).

Ref: Wikipedia.org

“Pithamaha of Carnatic Music”

For all these reasons and the enormous influence that he had on Carnatic music, musicologists call him the "Sangeeta Pitamaha" or the grandfather of Carnatic

music.

Purandaradasa was a prolific composer who is been said to have composed around 4,75,000 songs. However, only around 1000 compositions have been found to date. Most of his compositions are written in simple Kannada, but he has also written in Sanskrit.

He set most of his compositions in popular tunes/ragas of his time so that even a common man could learn and sing them. His compositions are also popular as 'padas' and 'devarunamas'.

His songs touch almost every aspect of spiritual life such as devotion, morality, ethics, good behaviourand compassion to all living beings.

Ref: Wikipedia.org

His compositions

Purandaradasa's devarunamas occupy an honoured place in the devotional music of south India

An old Kannada movie on “Sri Purandara Dasa”showed an episode of a meeting between a divinely elderly Annamacharya and a young Purandara Dasa, in the sannidhanam of Tirupathi Lord. I do not know whether written records have authenticated this meeting or not. But in the movie this episode by itself was very touching. Sri Annamayya singing a Purandara Dasa composition to Lord Venkateshwara, Purandara Dasa standing right there in the crowd, both not knowing each other, Sri Vyasarajaintroducing them to each other, Sri Purandara falling at the feet of Sri Annamayya and Sri Annamayyablessing Sri Purandara that his name & compositions will last as long as Sun & Moon last …… it was very touching indeed!

A legend

Two extraordinary divine musicians

Tallapaka Annamacharya

Sri Purandara Dasaru’sDasarapadhagalu/Devarunamagalu

To write about his dasapadas is a mind boggling task, leaving you gaping in awe, wondering where to start and where to end! Let me make a humble attempt.

Every beginner student of carnatic music knows the “Pillari Geethe” songs “Lambodara Lakumikara”, “Keraya neeranu kerege chelli”, “Padumanabha

paranthama” …….. all compositions of Purandara Dasa.

Sri Purandara Dasa’s songs such as ….. “Venkatachala Nilayam”, “Jagadodhdharana”, “Gajavadana beduve”, “Sakala graha bala neene”,

“Kaliyugadali harinamava”, “Ramanama payasakke krishna nama sakkare”, “Bhagyada Lakshmi Baaramma” …. are all household songs sung over centuries

by South Indian families, on every auspicious occasion.

Sri Purandara Dasaru has sung many songs in praise of Lord Hari, Gods & Goddesses, on Guru Parampara (on Srimad Madhwacharya & Sri Vyasarajaru), songs preaching to the society on ways of leading one’s life in an ethical and

pious way (“Hari smarane maado niranthara”) and many of his songs are by way of appeal to Lord to shower His Grace (“Dasanna maadiko enna”) on him.

A few of my favouriteDasarapadhagalu/Devarunamagalu

Raga: Naadanaamakriye Thala: Aadhi

daasana maaDiko enna swaamisaasira naamada venkaTa-ramaNa |pa|

durbhudhdhi-gaLanella biDiso ninnakaruNa-kavachvenna thoDisocharanasaeve enage koDiso abhayakara-pushpavanenna shiradalli muDiso |1|

dhriDha-bhakthi ninnalli beDi naaaDigeraguvenayya anudina paaDikaDegaNNilekenna noaDi biDuvekoDu ninna dhyaanava manashuchi maaDi |2|

mare-hokkavara kaava birudu ennamareyade rakshaNe maaDayya poredudurithagaLellava tharidu siripurandhara viThala ennanu poredu |3|

“Dasanna Madiko Enna”

Please watch from the DVD, the divinely M.S. Subbalakshmi singing this song in her final concert (1997). The ethereal expression on her face when she expresses the words “Dasanna Madiko enna” simply takes you to a supreme level of ecstasy. You can sense her being in the exalted company of PurandaraDasa in front of Lord Venkatramana!

Ack: www.saahitya-puta.org

Raga: Kambhodhi Thala: Jambe

hoova tharuvara manege hulla tharuvaavva lakumiramana ivagilla garuva

ondu dala sritulasi bindu gangodakavaindira ramanagarpitavennaluonde manadali sindhushayana mukunda eneendendu vaasipana mandiradolage

paripariya pushpagala paramatmagarpisiparipurnanendu poojeyanu maadeparama aasaktiyali poojeyanu maadidaresari bhaaga koduva thannaramaneyolage

pandavara maneyolage kuduregala thaa tholedupundarikaksha hullanu thinisidaandajavahana sri purandara vitalanuthondarige thondanagi sancharisuthihanu

“Hoova Tharuvara Manege”

It was a very fulfilling experience listening to Shri Vidyabhushanarusinging this song in his uniquely rich voice with a crystal clear diction, during his recent concert in Singapore. And I thank God for the opportunity me & my family had, listening to him explaining the real meaning of this song, in a discussion in the Singapore airport before he went on to board his flight. These are the inspiring moments worth waiting a lifetime for!

Ack: “Sri Purandara Dasa Sankeethanagalu” – Sri Rama Vittala Trust, Chennai

Ack: www.belluramki.wordpress.com

Raga: Behag or Senchuruti Thala: Aadhi

Kaliyugadhali Harinamava nenedereKulakotigalu udhdharisuvadhudhuSulabhadha mukthige sulabhnendhenisuvaJalaruhanabhana nene manave

Snanavanariyenu ………………………….…………………………………………………..……………………………………………………Ganavinodana nene manave

Archisalariyenu …………………………….…………………………………………………….…………………………………………………….Iccheyindha nee nene manave

Japavondhariyenu ………………………….…………………………………………………………………………………………………..Upayadhindhali nene manave

“Kaliyugadhali Harinamava Nenadere”

In this song Purandara Dasa brings out the power of “Harinama”, in his unique direct manner. He says one does not have to worry about not knowing any of the rituals, practices such as meditation, tapas, archana, puja etc. His universal advice is to just remember Harinama, and it will do the miracles!

I recall the Namasankeerthanaexponent Shri Udayalur KalyanaramaBhagavathar’s highly musical bhajanon Purandara Dasa, in our residence a few years ago and his energetic rendering of this particular dasarapada.

Ack: “Sri Purandara Dasa Sankeethanagalu” – Sri Rama Vittala Trust, Chennai

Raga: Saurashtra Thala: Chaapu

Krishna ena baradhey Krishna endhareykashtavondhashtilla Krishna enabaradheyNarajanma bhandaga naalige iruvagaKrishna enabaradhey

Malagidhu ………………………….…………………………………………………..……………………………………………………Krishna enabaradhey

Merethappi maathanaduvaga ……………. ……………………………………………………….…………………………………………………….Krishna enabaradhey

Gandhava poosi ………………………….…………………………………………………………………………………………………..Krishna enabaradhey

“Krishna Enabaradhey”

This is another song where PurandaraDasa appeals to people “can’t you chant the name Krishna as you are going about your normal daily routines?” It is as simple as that but can do wonders for you …. is the implied message.

Ack: “Sri Purandara Dasa Sankeethanagalu” – Sri Rama Vittala Trust, Chennai

En savi …Aha … En savi en savi HarinamaManasu thripthiya kalu premaJanariga thiliyadhu idhan mahimaGanna mahima vishnu sasinama (En savi)

Amrithadha ruchiyunda valmikiSmarisidha narahari namma kanakaPremadhindha haribhaktha pundareekaRam ram ram ram sarva jagathu (En savi)

Prahlada golidha harinamadhindhaAllallallalla dhruva rajendraPalgunaga palisidhu henchendhuRam ram ram ram sarva jagathu (En savi)

Hari hari hari smarane maadabekuHara hara hara endhu ennabekuVedhagalu saarauthive idhu naakuPurandara Vitalane sarva jagathu (En savi)

“En Savi En Savi”

How sweet is HarinamaLearn it with love till your heart is full of itPeople do not know the power of this nameThe power and Grace of the thousand names of Vishnu

It is the same name that was chanted by Valmiki and bhaktha PundareekaThe whole world is full of the same Rama nama

Prahalada succeeded on the power of HarinamaSame with DhruvaArjuna was victorious thanks to his faith in HariThe whole world is full of Rama nama

Keep chanting Hari nama & keep reciting HaraThe four Vedhas are based on the same thingPurandara Vittala is the entire world

Yet another popularly sung dasapada of Sri Purandara Dasa, exalting the sweetness & Grace of Harinama

Raga: Naadanamakriye Thala: Chaapu

rAgi thandira bhikshake rAgi thandira

yogyarAgi bhogyarAgibhagyavantharAgi nEvu ||rAgi||

annadAnava mAduvarAgianna chatrava nittavarAgianya varthegaLa bittavarAgianudina bhajaneya mAduvarAgi ||rAgi||

mAtha pitharu sEvithrAgipAthaka kAryava bittavarAgikyathiyali migilAdavarAginEthi mArgadali kyAtharAgi ||rAgi||

shriramaNana sadA smarisuvarAgiguruvige bAguvanthavarAgikare kare samsara nEguvarAgipurandara viTalana sEvitharAgi ||rAgi||

“Ragi Thandheera”

This is a very impressionable “needhibodhana” song. In this song PurandaraDasa explains how one should live. But in a very charming way he has played with the word “Ragi”. He starts off the song with the common day to day meaning of the word and wakes you up with a jolt with a very different use of that word as he delves into the song proper. And just watch how many times that word is used in this song by Purandara Dasa. It is class poetry, in simple words but carrying profound education for living. Next time when you come across a singer well versed with Dasapadas ask him/her to sing this song. It will be an experience!

Ack: www.saahitya-puta.org Ack: www.Youtube.com

Raga: Madhyamavathi Thala: Aadhi

Bhaagyada Lakshmi baaramma nammammaa shriSowbhaagyada Lakshmi baarammaa.

Gejje kalgaLa dhwaniya thoruthaHejjeya mele hejjeya nikkuthaSajjana saadhu poojeya veLegeMajjigeyoLagina beNNeyanthe

Kanaka vrushtiya kareyutha baareManakaamaneyaa siddhiya thoreDinakara koti thejadi hoLeyuvaJanakaraayana kumaari begaa

Shanke illada bhaagyava koDalookaN~kaNa kaiya thiruvutha baarekumkumaaN~kite paN~kaja lochaneveN~kaTaramaNana binkada raaNee

Atthitthagalade bhakthara maneyoLuNithya mahotsava nithya sumangalaSathyadi thorutha saadhu sajjanaraaChitthadi hoLeyuva putthaLi gombe

Sakkare thuppada kaluve harisiShukra vaarada poojeya veLegeAkkareyuLLa aLagiri ranganaChokka Purandhara viThalana raaNee

“Bhagyada Lakshmi Baramma”

Ack: www.saahitya-puta.org

The auspicious song which every southern housewife has sung sometime or other while doing “Aarathi” to the deities at the end of a puja!

Even if I just want to showcase a few of the devarunamas which never fail to inspire me, there are so many and so many that touch your heart. I am fascinated by each one of them and do not know which to highlight and which to leave.

There is the lovely song in Sahana Raga “Kandu kandu nee enna kai biduvare krishna” that simply moves you to tears with his fervent appeal to Lord. There is the song “SundaraMuruthy Mukya Prana” in which Purandara Dasa virtually helps us to visualise Anjaneyadancing “janaku janaku endhu kunidhu kunidhu bandha” with the happiness of listening to “Rama nama dwani”.

And then the song “Eesa beku idhdhu jeyisa beku” that infuses confidence into anyone getting depressed with the trials and tribulations of day to day life.

There are so many more There are so many more devarunamasdevarunamas that have inspired me & others at various times. But that have inspired me & others at various times. But in order not to enlarge this reading material any further, permiin order not to enlarge this reading material any further, permit me to bring this work to a t me to bring this work to a conclusion by drawing your attention to a tribute paid to Sri conclusion by drawing your attention to a tribute paid to Sri PurandaraPurandara DasaDasa by Sri by Sri VijayaVijayaDasaDasa who lived during the period 1682who lived during the period 1682--1755, more than 100 years after Sri 1755, more than 100 years after Sri PurandaraPurandara DasaDasa. . His composition His composition ““Guru Guru PurandaraPurandara DasareDasare”” is in the next slide.is in the next slide.

guru purandaradAsare nimma charaNakamalava nambide||garuvarahitana mADi ennanu poreva bhAravu nimmade||

ondu ariyada mandamati nAnindu nimmanu vandipe|indireshana tandu tOrisi tande mADelo satkRupe||

purandaragaDadolage nindu niruta dravyava galiside|paramapuruShanu vipranandadi karava nIDi yAchise||

parama nirguNavanavanaritu harige sUreya nIDuta|aritu manadOlu haridu bhavagala taruni sahitA horaTane||

mArajanakana sannidhAnadi sAragAnava mADuva|nAradare I rUpadindali chArudarushana tOrida||

Sri Vijaya Dasaru (1682 – 1755)

Ack: www.aarshavani.org

My humble dedication of this write-up to two of the most important women in my life ………my mother and my wife.

It is my mother’s frequent and voracious full throated singing of many of these devarunamas, during my childhood and boyhood days, which was instrumental in these songs mixing with my blood in such an intense manner. Those days I might not have been even aware these were all Purandara Dasaru’s padas. But they just started popping up once my serious spiritual journey commenced.

And my dear wife for the way she has taken to these devarunamas and shares my own joy in listening to them. My thanks to her for her companionship in this journey as well as for doing a painstaking proof reading of this work.

It is also a matter of happiness that my daughter, the other most significant lady in my life, has also gradually started swimming in this ocean, that is aptly named by Sri PurandaraDasa’s Guru Sri Vyasa Raja Theertharu as ……. “Purandaropanishad”.

This piece is also dedicated to our good friends in Singapore who keep giving us a lot of joy with their singing of many of these dasapadas.

“Dharma brings happiness”