Madhura Geetam – Bharata Pradakshina 5

In this series, we will go on a pradakshina of Bharata desha as we present, each month, a kirtan composed by His Holiness Maharanyam Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji on a particular kshetra, starting from south India and then going north.

Sri Guruvayoorappan

In the state of Kerala is the town of Guruvayoor. Guruvayoor is an important pilgrim guruvaurappandestination for Lord Krishna’s devotees. Lord Krishna stands here in the form of a small child with four hands holding the conch, discus, mace and the lotus flower. It is believed that it is in this form that Krishna appeared in front of Vasudeva and Devaki. This deity was worshipped by Uddhava—Lord Krishna’s disciple and minister—in Dwapara Yuga. After his time, Brihaspathi (Guru) and Vayu brought the idol to the current location and consecrated it here. Hence, Krishna is known as Guruvayoorappan here and the town is known as Guruvayoor. Devotees also refer to this Lord as “Unni” (baby) or “UnniKrishnan” (baby Krishna) lovingly. And, true to his name, in numerous circumstances the Lord became a child for many of his devotees. Several stories abound about the lilas of Guruvayoorappan with His devotees such as Poonthanam, Kroorammai and Bhattathiri.

Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji has visited Guruvayoor several times and has composed several songs on Lord Guruvayoorappan. This month’s song—“Guruvayoor Ennoru Kshethram undu” has been composed in Malayalam and is set in Madhyamaavati raga. In this song, he refers to the Lord as “Unni” Krishnan and describes the Lord’s captivating looks and his pastimes in the temple.

Guruvayoor Ennoru Kshetram

Ragam: Madhyamavathi
Tala: Thisra nadai

guruvAyUr ennoru kshethramundu
kshetranthanil oru unniyundu
unniku Krishnanennu perumundu
unniyai sriveLiyil divasam kandu
mOhichu poi bhaktha mArgalokke

kottAram thanil vaLara aishwaryam-aviDe
kuttiyaanaigaLodokke unniyAdum
thAmarai pUvinum kaiyil kondu
kaLLasiriyudan shObikum
appamum veNNaiyum tharAmo
appamum veNNaiyum vegam thandhAl
vEndiya dhokke unni anugrahikum

Meaning

There is a holy place called Guruvayoor
And, in that holy place lives an infant.
The infant is known by the name Krishna.
On seeing this infant ride the elephant in a procession everyday,
The devotee stands mesmerized!

The palace is filled with riches—and there
the infant plays with the baby elephants.
He has the lotus flower in His hand
And a mischievous smile on His face!
If you give Him appam (a sweet dish) and butter,
the infant will answer all your prayers!

 

-Sowmya Balasubramanian, Fremont, CA

 

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