Mohana Rama / Mohanam / Adi / Thyagaraja / Madurai Mani Iyer

Krithi: Mohana Rama Ragam: Mohanam Thalam: Adi Composer: Thyagaraja Vocal : Madurai Mani Iyer Madurai Mani Iyer, whose original name was Subramanian, was born to M. S. Ramaswamy Iyer and Subbulakshmi in Madurai on 25 October 1912. His father, a Sub-court Clerk, was the brother of the famous Vidwan Pushpavanam, who was a great classical musician himself. Mani Iyer was famous for his unique style. He was one of the most highly celebrated carnatic vocalists during the first half of the 20th century. He was renowned for his adept skills at singing kalpana swarams, neraval, and raga alapana. His music continues to be highly regarded today. His first guru was Sri Rajam Bhagavathar and later studied under Sri Harikesanallur Muthiah Bhagavathar, the great composer and an authority in Carnatic Music. His concert pattern was well appreciated and recognized for its variety. There was a balance in selection of songs. Though his concerts were packed with a good number of trinity compositions, he would gently introduce many great tamil krithis of Papanasam Sivan , Gopalakrishna Bharathiar and those of other Tamil composers. The point to note here is that is he used to present the tamil compositions mostly in major ragas like Kalyani, Kamboji, Bhairavi, Thodi. Thus the Tamil compostions in those major ragas were well received by the audience and found a permanent place in the concert world. The full credit of popularizing Tamil Krithis in the major ragas goes singularly to Madurai Mani Iyer. He passed away on 8 June 1968 at the age of 55. Violin: Lalgudi G Jayaraman Mridangam: Palani Subramaniam Pillai Thyagaraja Swami praises Lord Rama's divine beauty and expresses his deep devotion. He describes how celestial beings, animals, and even the great deities are mesmerized by Rama's grace. He highlights Rama’s incarnation on Earth, His time in the forest with Sitha, and how even divine beings long to serve him. Finally, he offers his devotion, addressing Rama as the universal protector and benefactor of devotees like Thyagaraja. Pallavi Mohana rama mukhajitha soma mudduga balkuma Anupallavi Mohhana rama modati daivama mohamu nee pai monasi yunnadira Charanam Dhara manujavatara mahima vini sura kimpurusha kinnara vidya dhara Sura pati vidhi vibhakara chandradulu karuguchu prema tho vara mriga pakshi vanara thanuvulache Girini velayu seetha vara chira kalamu guri thappaka maimarachi sevinchiri vara tyagaraja varadakhila jagan ------------------------------------------------------------------ Meaning: O enchanting Rama, whose face is as lovely as the moon, how sweet and charming you are O Mohana Rama, you are my first and foremost deity. My mind is fully absorbed in love and devotion for you. Hearing of your glory as the human incarnation on Earth, even the gods, kimpurushas, and kinnaras, who are embodiments of wisdom and art, are filled with awe. The lord of gods, the ordained laws, the moon, the stars, all melt in love for you; beasts, birds, and even monkeys bow in devotion before you. O Lord, when you rescued Sitha on the mountain, you served her faithfully at every moment, Thyagaraja prays that your blessings may extend to the entire world. --------------------------------------------------------------------- DISCLAIMER : These songs have been uploaded for hearing pleasure only and as an archive for Carnatic music. By this I don't wish to violate any copyrights owned by the respective owners of these songs if any. I don't own any copyright of the songs myself. If anything is in violation of the copyright you own, then please let me know, I shall remove it from my Youtube channel.