Arputha Narthanam

This is the first piece we learnt as the prep class for 2016.  It's an interesting piece by Madurai Muralitharan. What I observe as I learn more pieces by this composer is that his pieces are very intricate and mathematical but not necessarily musically rich. I am not sure if I am making sense here but his pieces (this was the second piece i learnt by him, the previous one being the amrithavarshini jathiswaram in khanda matya tala and I am currently beginning a ragamalika varnam by him as well). There is a lot of fanfare, intricate korvais and karvais but somehow leaves me unsatiated musically. Of course take this with a pinch of salt (a bucket if you will) since it is coming from someone who cannot even be termed a novice.

Anyways after that armchair review, now to the actual piece. This is set to Gambheera naatai literally means "Majestic Naatai".  It is a janya of the 36th melakartha chala naatai (without the R and D). It's very upbeat and happy raga usually used in mallaris or procession music.

Viruttam
Moolaadhaaramai moo ulagam vilangum
The one who is the primordial force in the three worlds

Muzhu mudhar kadavule
First and foremost God

Velaayudhan vanangum
The one who is prayed to by Lord Shanmuga(Kaarthikeya)

Maayon Marugone
The nephew of Vishnu (Remember Parvathi, Ganesha's mom, is Vishnu's sister which makes Ganesha the nephew of Vishnu)

Kaelaai enn muraiyai
Listen to my pleas/requests

Kanivudane udan kaavai Ganapathiye
With kindness. Protect me right away Ganapathi (Ganesha)

Kanam idhuve Ganapathiye
This is the time (for you to protect) Ganapathi


Pallavi
Arputha narthanam azhagudan aadidum
The one who dances the wonderous dance beautifully

Aanai mugath(u) omkara roopane
Elephant faced who has the form of an OM

Aanandham thandhidum aingarane
The five handed one(Ganesha) who gives happiness (Ganesha is said to have 5 hands - 4 arms and 1 trunk)

Arul varame anudinam.
Bless us with a boon daily

Anupallavi
Parpalarum paniyum param dhayanidhiye
The kind compassionate one whom everybody bows to

Murpagal vinai theerkum moolaadhaarane
The primordial force that absolves me of sins from my previous birth

Charanam
Ethisaiyum pugazh naayakane
The leader whom the eight directions praise

Siddhi vazhangum vinayakane
The Vinayaka (Ganesha) who blesses (us)

Nal buddhi tharum mudhalaanavane
The pioneer who gives us good brains (wisdom)

Bhaya bhakthiyudan dhinam murali vanangidum
Murali (the composer) bows to thee with reverence