Maargam - Sequence of Songs - Details

Sri Vigna Rajam bhaje

Raagam - Ghambeera Natta

Talam - Khanda Chapu

Composer - Oothikaada Venkatasubbaiyyar

Sri Vighna Rajam Bhaje is a popular Carnatic devotional song dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. The lyrics center on praising Lord Ganesha and adoring him as the son of Shiva, and the destroyer of ego and ignorance.

The devotees repeat their adoration for the "elephant-faced lord" with handsome, majestic features. It describes him as one worshipped by Indra and other celestials, and as a protector of devotees. Highlights his physical majesty, describing him adorned in golden ornaments and a pearl necklace, shining like the snowy mountains (the Himalayas). It celebrates him as a destroyer of sins and the evils of the Kaliyuga. Details Ganesha's wisdom and his delight in the company of great sages like Narada, Patanjali, and Parashara. It concludes by finding him as the personification of the highest truth and eternal knowledge (the "Tat Tvam Asi" philosophy).

Jathiswaram

Raagam - Vachaspati

Talam - Rupaka

Composer - Tanjore Quartette

A Jathiswaram is a pure dance (Nritta) item in classical Indian dance forms like Bharatanatyam. It combines rhythmic drum syllables (jatis) with melodic musical notes (swaras). Devoid of lyrics or dramatic storytelling, it highlights the dancer's rhythmic mastery, geometric movements, and footwork precision.It focuses entirely on physical technique, intricate footwork (adavus), and body posture. There is no emotional expression (abhinaya) or narrative. The dance usually starts at a medium speed (Madhyama Kalam) and gradually accelerates, highlighting the dancer's stamina and technical virtuosity.

Swarajathi

Raagam - Khamas

Talam - Aadi

Composer - Chinnakrishna Daasar

A Swarajathi is a more complex musical form. The song incorporates Swaras (solfege notes) and sahityam (lyrics), allowing the student to alternate between singing rhythmic passages and the poetic text in various speeds. The composition consists of a Pallavi, Anu Pallavi, and five charanams. The lyrics are deeply devotional and praise Lord Shiva. The verses emphasize the following themes:

The Divine Guru: It portrays Shiva as the ultimate spiritual teacher and a "treasure of compassion" residing on the silver mountains of the Himalayas.

Meditation & Refuge: The devotee expresses an eternal desire to meditate on his mantra, recognizing him as the ultimate protector who destroys fear and removes sins.

Virtue & Surrender: It concludes with a pledge to remain steadfast in spiritual practices, such as meditation and bathing, and to seek refuge at the feet of the Lord.

Nandeeswara Varnam

Raagam - Revathi

Talam - Aadi

Composer - Kappagantula Rama Krishna

The Nandeeswara Varnam (often referred to as Nandikeshwara or Nandikeshwara) is an homage to Nandi the bull, Lord Shiva's divine vehicle and the foremost devotee of Shiva's cosmic dance.

The song's lyrical content and structure describe Nandi as a guardian, a witness to divine creation, and the gatekeeper of Lord Shiva's realm. The Sāhityam (lyrics) venerates Nandi's immense devotion, describing him as the Rishabha Vadhana (bull-faced), Trinetra Vandana (bowing to the three-eyed Lord), and the foremost amongst those who serve Lord Shiva. It is often performed during auspicious times like Pradosham or Shivaratri.

Devi Song

Raagam- Charukesi

Talam - Aadi

Composer - Ghatam Karthik

Charukesi Sarasija Lochani is a vibrant Carnatic devotional composition set to the Ragam Charukesi, beautifully written and tuned by the renowned percussionist and composer Ghatam Dr. S. Karthick. The song is celebrated as a rich Devi Stotram featuring melodious Sanskrit lyrics akin to the rhythmic, soothing verses of the Lalitha Sahasranamam.

Krishna song

Raagam - Yaman Kalyani

Talam - Misra Chapu

Composer - Unknown

“Krishna maa intiki raavo” is a beautiful Telugu Keerthana composed in translation of the popular “Krishna Nee begane baro” song in Kannada, which is a beloved Carnatic kriti written by the sage Vyasaraya. Set to the Yamuna Kalyani raga and Misra Chapu tala, the song is a mother’s loving plea to Lord Krishna, inviting him to come quickly and dance.

The lyrics paint a highly visual picture of Bala Krishna (the child Krishna):

The song describes Lord Krishna’s anklets, sapphire bracelets, a waistband with bells, and the divine Vaijayanthi necklace. He is dressed in sacred yellow/saffron silk, holding a flute, and completely anointed with fragrant sandalwood paste. The song recounts the famous childhood episode where he opened his mouth and showed the entire universe to his startled mother, Yashoda.

Tillana

Raagam - Valachi

Talam - Aadi

Composer - Smt Dwaraki Krishnaswamy

A Tillana is a vibrant, rhythm-heavy Carnatic music composition widely used as a grand finale in classical Indian dance, such as Bharatanatyam. It consists of rhythmic syllables (Jathis / sollukattus) in the Pallavi and Anupallavi, and melodic lyrics in praise of a deity in the Charanam.

Anjaneya Dandakam

Raagam - Ragamalika

Talam - Khandam

Composer - Unknown

The Sri Anjaneya Dandakam (also known as Hanuman Dandakam) is a powerful Telugu devotional hymn, composed in the Dandakam format (a Sanskrit/Telugu poetic form characterized by long, flowing, rhythmic prose), dedicated to Lord Hanuman. It is a rhythmic prayer of strength, surrender, and divine protection that highlights the valor, purity, and unwavering commitment of Lord Hanuman to Lord Rama.The song glorifies Hanuman as the son of Anjana (Anjaneya), the son of Vayu (Vayu Putra), and as the destroyer of evil spirits, illnesses, and adversities. It traces Hanuman's journey from his role as a minister to Sugriva, his search for Sita, his actions in Lanka (killing Lankini, burning Lanka), and his service in the Ramayana, including bringing the Sanjeevani herb for Lakshmana.

Divine Protection: It is recited to gain protection from enemies and negative energies ("Bhuta Preta Pisaacha") and to seek wisdom and strength. The hymn is structured with rapidly accelerating verses, often described as a fast-paced chant that builds in intensity.

Mangalam