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Source: The Hindu

(http://www.hinduonnet.com/2002/02/28/stories/2002022800810800.htm)

Miscellaneous

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Religion

 

 

Music as a vehicle of devotion to God

 

 

 

CHENNAI

FEB.28

 

.. Scholars interpreting the as the best exemplification of the oft-quoted dictum

"Dharma protects those who uphold it." th. TdAccording to tradition Saint

Thyagaraja who worshipped Rama and composed innumerable Kirtanas on Him is

revered as an incarnation of Valmiki. In fact, he has composed many songs on the

spiritual merit of singing God's glory as a means to liberation.

 

In his discourse, Kalyanapuram Sri R.Aravamudan said there were internal

evidences in the songs of Thyagaraja to show how he echoed Valmiki's Ramayana,

employing music as a vehicle of devotion. For instance, in the context of Sage

Viswamitra teaching the art of missiles to Rama, Valmiki says, "While the sage

was silently repeating the Mantras embodying the said missiles, all the

missiles, worthy of great adoration as they were, appeared before Sri Rama in

their shining ethereal forms." These deities submitted to Him and were prepared

to do His bidding. Thyagaraja employs the same idea and further imaginatively

portrays the seven musical notes as Vedic deities. Another parallel between

Valmiki and Thyagaraja can be seen in their description of how Lord Rama graced

Ahalya.

 

When Viswamitra escorted Rama and Lakshmana to Mithila they came upon a deserted

hermitage and the sage recounted how Ahalya was cursed by her husband Gautama

and was awaiting her redemption by the Lord in His incarnation, which was

foretold. Viswamitra instructed Rama, "Step into the hermitage of Gautama who

has performed virtuous deeds and redeem this highly blessed woman, Ahalya, who

was invested with a celestial form." No sooner than He entered the precincts of

the hermitage she regained her original form. In this context scholars

underscore the sanctity of the dust of the Lord's feet. Thyagaraja in a song

highlights the glory of the Lord's feet as the refuge sought by the creator

(Brahma), Indra and sages like Sanaka and Narada. He also mentions how it was

Rama's feet that were instrumental in the redemption of Ahalya. Such parallels

cannot be coincidences because Thyagaraja's life centred on worship of Rama and

his songs testify to his spiritual experiences.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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