vaaranam aayiram

The divine month of Maargazhi -- the month that all Gods shower more blessings on every living beings, the month that is associated with early morning, is also the month of Shri. AandaaL. This is the month that is associated with music. When the month is associated with music then why not the goddess? The name AandaaL brings back the reminiscence of Thiruppaavai & Thiruvembaavai, and the famous paasuram vaaranamaayiram.

There are umpteen number of musical interpretations of this paasuram in divine music as well as film music. IR himself has set to different tunes to this, may I simply say, song.

This song is beautifully tuned like this in an almost similar feel or situation in the movie kELadi kaNmaNi sung by S. Janaki. This is emotional way of presentation though adheres completely to the classicsm of the raaga/scale chosen.

In the same movie there is yet another superb, totally different way of rendition by S.P.Balasubramaniam as thus. Though this song didn't find its place in the movie but I could very-well assume (rather bit arrogantly say, judge?) that it would be a background song (or) a song sung by some bhaagavathar in a temple when the hero and heroine visit. This is classical way of presentation.

There is also a complete traditional, divine way of presentation of this song. In the movie Hey! Ram this song is beautifully interpersed with the song vaishnava jana tho sung by heroine. This rendition of the aandaaL paasuram swings between the traditional way of singing it in all vaishnavaite temple and the heroine's feel on her upcoming marriage.

How many beautiful interpretations! This man never fails when in need of such inspiring outputs.

Source of songs: Music India Online

Pudhu uravu pooththadhu

December 22 2006, yet another important day in my life. I got a new tiny little niece. Months to come there would be a girl who would be calling me maamaa. Ofcourse daughter of my elder sister (my mom's sis' daughter) called me maamaa some 10 years ago. Still I am thrilled another time to hear another of my niece to call me maamaa. Along with this lot of joy, it is strange and a bit of sad feel that I have, since I have not seen her yet. Yes I am about 6000 kms away from chennai deeply into my early morning sleep in my bed at london when she was born. Sad because I could not be near. Strange because it repeats. I was there almost until she was born (left to UK only a fortnight before). Earlier when her elder brother Sriram was born fortunately I was there till his naming ceremony but could not make it for his 1st year birthday celebrations due to yet another onsite assignment. This time I will not be there even for her naming ceremony. Perhaps me being away during their important ceremonies might be is what is destined and might what be good for them too. May God bless them with happiness, prosperity, good heart, good mind, good feature, good health, good life.